Does a Participatory Sharing and Learning Approach Make an Effective HIV Provider Training Program?

Every corner of the globe has been touched by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and local communities have responded in different ways. There is widespread agreement in the international community that by learning from each locality\u27s response we will be able to improve our education, prevention, and treatment efforts. United Nations agencies can play an important role in facilitating the sharing of information and innovative practices for local authorities. The CITY-AIDS Americas program of CIFAL Atlanta is a UN initiative that promotes exchanges of ideas and practices among HIV experts in the western hemisphere. The program is based on the principles of participatory and action learning, and knowledge management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the program\u27s effectiveness in facilitating communication between HIV experts and the acquisition of resources following participation in the program. Data was collected through an online questionnaire completed by CITY-AIDS 2006 program participants. Secondary data such as HIV prevalence rates and census data were also used in this study. The results of this study show that certain city and participant characteristics are associated with increased program effectiveness and resource allocation. Based on these findings, recommendations will be made to CIFAL Atlanta