LEADING BURUNDI'S HIV/AIDS RESPONSE

As a relatively new organization, PNLS is tasked with leading the long-term implementation of the Ministry of Health's HIV/AIDS programs. However, PNLS lacks strong management and organizational capacity, resulting in weaker HIV/AIDS program outcomes. The HFG project, a multi-year program implemented by USAID, has teamed up with PNLS to enhance its management skills and support its growth as the national organization to lead Burundi's progress towards achieving an AIDS-free generation. The project's initial phase involved an anonymous web-based survey of PNLS staff to conduct an overall assessment of the organization. The survey, which had an excellent participation rate of 31 responses from a staff of 38, covered six dimensions, including PNLS' mandate, leadership and management capacity, and operating resources. Based on the survey results, the HFG project tailored a capacity-building plan for PNLS, which is being implemented in three phases. The first phase focuses on strengthening basic management practices, while the second phase aims to build effective work teams. The third phase targets the strengthening of core functions, such as operational planning, coordination of stakeholders, and training of trainers. PNLS' Director, Dr. Hilaire Ninteretse, has acknowledged the positive impact of the project, stating that leadership and management training has improved the organization's capacity to meet its challenges. The results of a recent mid-term review of progress after 18 months are promising. PNLS has achieved several key milestones, including improved internal management practices, better collaboration with the Permanent Executive Secretariat of the National AIDS Commission, and the development and approval of a new national strategy for improving supervision of HIV/AIDS activities at the sub-national level. Additionally, PNLS has updated and validated job descriptions for all staff, created a 2014 operating budget, and procured IT and office equipment to improve office functions. The HFG project has also delivered training of trainers workshops for PNLS staff, enabling them to effectively train others and build capacity at the provincial and district levels. PNLS' staff have expressed their commitment to the capacity-building process, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration. As one staff member noted, "no matter your position in the organization, everyone has a stone for the construction of PNLS. The team must walk together and no one must be left behind. We must all move in the same direction and at the same speed." The HFG project's efforts have resulted in a high level of buy-in to the capacity-building process, coupled with PNLS' willingness and ability to improve.