AIDSTAR-Two Project Trip Report – Washington DC & Central Asia Republics (CAR)

The project was a three-phase initiative that began in autumn 2012 with a mid-term review and evaluation of the Dialogue Project. Key recommendations from this review included the need for capacity assessments of NGOs involved in the Dialogue Project. In spring 2013, a capacity assessment of HIV NGOs in the Central Asian Republics (CAR) was conducted. The assessment identified a need for regional strategy development and support in key capacity areas. As a result, the Capacity Support phase was initiated in summer 2013. This phase involved the development of seven Capacity Builders Guides, which were designed to support NGOs in building their capacity to address HIV-related issues. The Capacity Builders Guides focused on key areas such as advocacy, partnerships, business planning, involving the community, human resource management, governance, and best practices for prevention. The guides were introduced through NGO capacity workshops, with a focus on priority areas such as advocacy, partnerships, and business planning. Meetings were held in Dushanbe, Bishkek, and Almaty to discuss the capacity assessment project and introduce the Capacity Builders Guides. Positive feedback was received from local USAID missions and Quality and Dialogue staff on the work completed and the usefulness of the assessment findings and guides. A debriefing was also conducted in Washington DC on the full technical support cycle offered in CAR and the last TDY, which included participation in the AIDSTAR-Two close-out event. The project's findings highlighted the precarious position of HIV-related NGOs in the region, with many facing financial and programmatic sustainability challenges. The assessment revealed that NGOs often rely on a single or two international donors, leading to a "project-based mentality" and a lack of strategic priorities. This has resulted in NGOs failing to think strategically about their role and take a "whole of organization" approach to their operations. The Capacity Builders Guides were designed to address these challenges by providing NGOs with the necessary tools and support to build their capacity and become more sustainable. The guides were developed in consultation with local stakeholders and were introduced through a series of workshops and training sessions. The project's ultimate goal was to strengthen the capacity of NGOs in the region to address HIV-related issues and ensure their long-term sustainability.