AIDSTAR-Two Project Trip Report – Zambia 05/21/10

The workshop aimed to build participants' capacity to develop and implement cervical cancer screening and treatment programs for HIV-positive women in sub-Saharan Africa. The event brought together 41 participants, including US Government staff and Ministries of Health representatives from across the region. The workshop outcomes included participants gaining knowledge about recent scientific evidence, policy guidance based on WHO recommendations, and the implications for PEPFAR funding of cervical cancer programs. Participants also learned the components of evaluating program gaps and capacity, as well as how to implement a quality program for cervical cancer screening and treatment of both general populations and HIV-infected women. Alyson Clark, Program Officer and Conference Organizer, was responsible for organizing the workshop. Her tasks included conducting meetings with conference facilitators and note takers, greeting participants at the airport, facilitating visa processes, and coordinating logistics. Clark also met daily with hotel staff to discuss conference venue, meals, accommodations, and payment. The workshop was held at the Taj Pamodzi hotel in Lusaka, Zambia. The event was facilitated by conference facilitators, note takers, and staff from the Center for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ). Participants included US Government staff and Ministries of Health representatives from across sub-Saharan Africa. Following the workshop, Alyson Clark was responsible for compiling workshop evaluations, debriefing the AIDSTAR-Two team on conference outcomes, and sending participants contact information and conference certificates. Clark also wrote the trip report and finalized payment for the venue and note takers. The trip report was submitted to the AIDSTAR-Two Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) and the PEPFAR Care & Support Technical Working Group. Key individuals contacted during the trip included Dana Sandstrom, HR Partner at New Business Development; Rose Malunga, Office Manager at MSH/Zambia; Dr. Sharon Kapambwe and Dr. Groesbeck Parham, Head and Co-director of the Cervical Cancer Prevention Program in Zambia; and Patricia Mweya, Sales and Marketing Director at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel. These individuals assisted with logistics, organization, and facilitation of the workshop. Relevant documents related to the workshop include the conference summary report, which is available on the eRoom platform. This report provides additional details on the workshop outcomes and is a valuable resource for other staff members.