History

AIDS Resource Center (ARC) in Addis Ababa was launched in December of 2002. ARC serves as Ethiopia’s Premier source of HIV/AIDS information. The center (referred to as CCP/ARC) serves as a hub for a host of user-driven resources and services, such as a comprehensive multimedia reference collection, high-speed computer terminals with Internet access, audiovisual equipment, databases of information pertaining to HIV/AIDS, and a toll-free HIV/AIDS telephone hotline. In addition to its user driven services, the CCP/ARC also supports local partners in developing strategic, targeted behavior change communication (BCC) tools and approaches. Through both its user services and BCC activities, the CCP/ARC strives to build the capacity of its partners, with a particular emphasis on the Ethiopian government’s HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office (HAPCO).

Mission

• Carry out culturally relevant, quality research-based health communication interventions;
• Use knowledge management to assess impact and disseminate lessons learned from Ethiopia, the region and the world;
• Build capacity and advance the field of health communication in Ethiopia.

Vision

A leading center for health communication that saves lives enhances well-being and facilitates social change in Ethiopia.

 

Objectives

Expand CCP/ARC user driven collections and services of up to date and accurate local and international materials on HIV/AIDS, VCT, STI and TB.

 

Update and maintain existing CCP/ARC materials, organizational, funding, news, requests, and conference/calendar databases. In addition, develop databases for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and experts/consultants working on HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia. Develop additional databases as the need arises

 

Upgrade and maintain a multi-target focused CCP/ARC website; conduct usability assessments periodically and modify accordingly. Design and incorporate targeted sites for youth and PLHA in the existing CCP/ARC website. Upgrade and maintain existing list serve

 

Provide on-going technical assistance on developing strategic health communication programs for all HIV/AIDS stakeholders. Assist and support the production of print, audiovisual and electronic HIV/AIDS, STI and TB materials by all HIV/AIDS stakeholders in Ethiopia and other organizations and individuals interested in these types of materials.

 

Develop high quality, research based, IEC/BCC materials on relevant HIV/AIDS topics such as VCT, Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT), antiretroviral therapy (ART), living positively, and care and support, as well as STI’s and TB. Facilitate the regional adaptation of the produced IEC/BCC materials. Continually monitor and evaluate the produced IEC/BCC materials, including how these topics affect orphans and vulnerable children (OVC).

 

Develop a clearinghouse and maintain an efficient distribution system for all local and international HIV/AIDS, STI, and TB materials (print, audio visual and electronic).

 

Maintain and upgrade the existing national HIV/AIDS hotline service and ensure services are made available to the regions. Develop a comprehensive national referral database for all HIV/AIDS, STI, and TB services. Develop/ adapt all necessary hotline standards and procedures, training, information, monitoring and data capture tools for the hotline. Provide continued educational training for the hotline operators on HIV/AIDS, STI, TB and other related disciplines.

 

Provide technical assistance in the development/maintenance of regional ARCs in all regions. These include materials acquisition; establishment of a networking system between regional ARCs and CCP/ARC; and providing the regional ARCs access to the CCP/ARC’s databases and resources. Establish a hierarchical network system between regional ARCs and regional HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Offices (HAPCOs), which are connected to CCP/ARC and HAPCO. Adapt centrally produced communication materials for the specific region, and facilitate the national hotline activities in the regions. Provide continuous training for all regional technical staff.

 

Build the capacity of the HAPCO staff to maintain and manage an ARC.

Partners and Funding

The CCP/ARC was created through a multi-dimensional public/private partnership and is managed by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health/Center for Communication Programs (CCP) with funding from the U.S. PEPFAR program through CDC. CCP/ARC is now in its seventh year of operation and is expanding user services to regional sites, and as well as increasing the scope of its BCC activities.

Sponsor/partner

Implementing Partner

HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office (HAPCO), Ethiopia

Technical Assistance

Johns Hopkins University,
Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Communication Programs (CCP), USA
https://www.jhuccp.org/

Funding

United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), USA
https://www.cdc.gov/