Community Mobilization and AIDS (UNAIDS, 1997, 8 p.): At a Galance

Community Mobilization and AIDS (UNAIDS, 1997, 8 p.)

		(introduction...)
		At a Galance
		Background
		The Challenges
		The Responses
		Key Materials

At a Galance

UNAIDS understands a "mobilized community'' to have most or all of the following characteristics:

members are aware - in a detailed and realistic way - of their individual and collective vulnerability to HIV/AIDS
members are motivated to do something about this vulnerability
members have practical knowledge of the different options they can take to reduce their vulnerability
members take action within their capability, applying their own strengths and investing their own resources - including money, labour, materials or whatever else they have to contribute
members participate in decision-making on what actions to take, evaluate the results, and take responsibility for both success and failure
the community seeks outside assistance and cooperation when needed.

UNAIDS will advocate for and help with the design of programmes which:

uphold the rights and dignity of people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS
ensure active participation by as broad and representative a group of community members as possible
provide for equal partnership and mutual respect between the community and external facilitators
build capacity and ensure sustainability
build on the realities of living with HIV and AIDS while maintaining hope based on community collective action
maximize use of community resources while identifying and using additional external resources as needed.

UNAIDS Best Practice materials

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) is preparing materials on subjects of relevance to HIV infection and AIDS, the causes and consequences of the epidemic, and best practices in AIDS prevention, care and support. A Best Practice Collection on any one subject typically includes a short publication for journalists and community leaders (Point of View); a technical summary of the issues, challenges and solutions (Technical Update); case studies from around the world (Best Practice Case Studies); a set of presentation graphics; and a listing of key materials (reports, articles, books, audiovisuals, etc.) on the subject. These documents are updated as necessary.

Technical Updates and Points of View are being published in English, French, Russian and Spanish. Single copies of Best Practice publications are available free from UNAIDS Information Centres. To find the closest one, visit UNAIDS on the Internet (http://www.unaids.org), contact UNAIDS by email (unaids@unaids.org) or telephone (+41 22 791 4661), or write to the UNAIDS Information Centre, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland.

Journalists seeking more information about a UNAIDS Point of View are invited to contact the UNAIDS Geneva Press Information Office (+41 22 791 4577 or 791 3387).

Community mobilization and AIDS: UNAIDS Technical Update (UNAIDS Best Practice Collection: Technical Update). Geneva: UNAIDS, April 1997.

1. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome - prevention and control
2. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome - transmission
3. Community

WC 503.6