Hope for Rural Communities
Foundation for Community Support Services
[FOCUS]
Annual Programme Report
January – December, 2010
Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
FOCUS
P/Bag 17
Karonga
MALAWI.
Tel/Fax: (265) 1 362 712
Cell: (265) 999793698
E-mail: focuska@focusmw.org
Website: http://www.focusmw.org/
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
FOCUS
Table of Contents
Cover paper............................................................................................................................................. 1
Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................... 2
Acronyms ................................................................................................................................................. 3
Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................ 4
Context of the Organization ................................................................................................................ 5
Organization Finances (Donor retention and resource base) ....................................................... 9
Political, Socio and Economic situation and trends ......................................................................10
Internal (Organization) Major Policy Decisions ...............................................................................14
Programme Description .......................................................................................................................14
Summarised Table of Results ..............................................................................................................17
Programme Results (Analysis of project activities ...........................................................................63
Organisation Development ..............................................................................................................105
Networking and Collaboration.........................................................................................................105
Reflection .............................................................................................................................................105
Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation ...................................................................................................106
Lessons Learnt .....................................................................................................................................106
Challenges............................................................................................................................................106
Recommendations .............................................................................................................................107
Case Studies: Annex 1: .......................................................................................................107 and 108
Annex A attachment (OXFAM Report) ...........................................................................................109
2010 Annual Report End notes and acknowledgement ............................................................109
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Acronyms
AIDS
:
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
CBOs
:
Community Based Organisations.
CYDESE
:
Centre for Youth Development and Social Enhancement.
CONGOMA
:
Council for Non Governmental Organisations in Malawi.
DACC
:
District AIDS Coordinating Committee.
FOCUS
:
Foundation for Community Support Services.
HHFYF
:
Harvest Help Find Your Feet.
HIV
:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
HIVOS
:
Humanist Institute for Cooperation with Developing Countries.
CSW
:
Commercial Sex Workers
MARPs
:
Most At Risk Populations
IEC
:
Information Education and Communication.
IGA
:
Income Generating Activities.
MACRO
:
Malawi AIDS Counselling and Resource Organisation
MANASO
:
Malawi Network of AIDS Service Organisations.
NYCOM
:
National Youth Council of Malawi.
OVC
:
Orphan and Vulnerable Children.
PLWHA
:
People Living With HIV and AIDS.
PSI
:
Population Services International
SAT
:
Southern African AIDS Trust.
SRH
:
Sexual Reproductive Health.
S&D
:
Stigma and Discrimination.
STIs
:
Sexual Transmitted Infections.
SWOT
:
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.
VPCs
:
Village Project Committees.
VCT
:
Voluntary Counselling and Testing.
WOW
:
War on Want.
WAYO
:
Wanangwa Youth Organisation
CHIGOTAYO
:
Chilumba Golden Target Youth Organisation
SHA
:
Self Help Africa
CBM
:
Community Based Monitoring
FISP
:
Fertilizer Input Subsidy Programme
EHL
:
Empowerment for Health and Rural Livelihood
SDD
:
Stigma, Denial and Discrimination
KAP
:
Knowledge, Attitudes and practices.
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Executive Summary
The Foundation for Community Support Services (FOCUS) has cropped 10 years of existence
and management of project implementation in Malawi. This report gives a summary of 2010
end of projects review results and findings. The organization focused on the following
objectives:
Programme Goal
 The overall development goal of FOCUS is to build community competences in
preventing HIV infection and mitigating AIDS impact and its associated effects.
Programme Strategic Objectives
 To improve nutrition and the economic status in vulnerable households as well as
sanitation generally in communities in Karonga, Chitipa and Zomba.
 To inspire behaviour change in all areas relating to HIV/AIDS.
 To equip communities with requisite skills in lobbying and advocating for issues related
to HIV/AIDS.
 To improve households’ food security and access to income in amongst 7400
households in Karonga and Chitipa districts by 2015.
 To strengthen the organisation cohesion and effectiveness of FOCUS.
 To strengthen networking activities with other Stakeholders
In order to achieve the above objectives the organization in consultation with the
communities designed a number of projects and seeked financial support from various
donor partners as stipulated below:
1. Empowerment on Health and Rural Livelihood Project with financial support from
Scottish Executive through Christian Aid Malawi.
2. HIV and AIDS Behaviour Change Communication project with funding from HIVOS.
3. Using Integrated Cultural Approach in addressing negative effects of HIV/AIDS &
Gender inequalities with funding from Christian Aid Malawi
4. Lupembe HIV/AIDS and Rural Livelihood improvement Project with funding from FAIR
Malawi.
5. Food Security and Income Enhancement Project with financial support from Self Help
Africa (SHA).
6. Restored Hope for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Project with financial
support from Tom Popp and scaling up of the project with financial support from
Firelight Foundation.
7. Namasalima HIV/AIDS and Mentorship Project with funding from WOW NI
8. Farm Input Subsidy Programme (FISP) Assessment with funding from Community Based
Monitoring Project (CBM)
9. HIV/AIDS prevention in High Risk and vulnerable Groups of the youths, boys and girls
Project, using Integrated Hope Kit services in HIV Prevention Initiatives as a strategy
with funding from BRIDGE/JHU (CCP) through PACT Malawi.
10. REACH Project “targeting Most At Risk Populations” with funding from PACT Malawi.
11. Public Health needs of Earthquake Affected Communities in Karonga with funding
from OXFAM GB.
The organization had a total funding of MK 61,401,489.00 earmarked for projects
implementation for the year 2010.
Through a thorough effective planning, monitoring and evaluation exercise of the
mentioned projects, the organization has registered amongst other notable achievements
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Conducted HIV and AIDS Outreach Campaigns and reached out to 16,623 people
(8906 men and 7717 women).
Conducted herbal Medicines Trainings to support group members and communities
and reached out to 330 participants.
Provided HTC Services to (people who were counselled and tested) 8,320 people while
2240 people were referred for ART Clinic.
556 (348 females and 224 males) CSW were reached out to with HIV/AIDS information
and 16,406 condoms (15616 male condoms and 790 female condoms) were distributed
to commercial sex workers and their clients.
Distributed 47,214 condoms (28,329 men and 18,885 women).
Resource Centre provided HIV&AIDS and SRH education activities that were educative,
informative and entertainment. 2648 (1104 male youth, 243 female youth aged 1025years, 303 male adults and 221 females adults aged 26 years and above) were
reached and through the centre, 5000 male condoms to 7 functional groups within the
catchment area were distributed. The centre also recorded 2045 people visited the
centre, “1058 visited the centre for Library services, 256 for entertainment, 310 for
HIV/AIDS education and 421 were for indoor games and other general visits.
97 (24 women and 73 men) Religious Leaders were trained in SAVE Approach and
reducing Stigma, Denial and Discrimination amongst Religious Leaders.
3880 people from 25 churches and 2 mosques were reached with Anti SDD messages
by the Religious Leaders.
35 HIV Support Groups where in each support group is comprised of 25 members on
average were formed and strengthened as a result of massive outreach campaigns in
HIV Counselling and testing and effective referral system.
Procured and distributed 10 bicycle and 2 motor cycle ambulances to health
providers.
1 CBO HIV/AIDS Resource Centre was constructed at Namasalima in Zomba District.
The Resource Centre is housing: Voluntary and counselling rooms, CBO offices and an
entertainment hall.
Supported 20 students with school fees and other necessities in secondary schools and
3 in tertiary education (1 at the University, 2 at vocational colleges).
5 teen mothers went back to school while 8 Teen mothers benefitted from small scale
loans. Apart from the access to small loans, the teen mothers were imparted with skills
in business management so that there should be continuity of the programme. The
programme has been implemented in collaboration with the Opportunity International
Bank of Malawi (OIBM) and Firelight Foundation, through FOCUS.
200 poultry were procured and distributed to 200 households of 3 HIV Support Groups
(70 Twiyure, 65 Lupembe and 65 Mlare). 47 livestock (goats) were also procured and
distributed to 47 households of the same 3 HIV Support groups and 105 pigs were
shared amongst 105 household beneficiaries.
Facilitated 15 schools based and 10 Village development plans for follow up on budget
allocation and proper administration of the subsidy programme and resource
mobilisation
Facilitated 3 interface meetings with duty bearers to demand services and lobby duty
bearers for improved services (District Council, DEM, officials from Agriculture and
Traditional leaders}.
Provided starter support of farm inputs, comprised of seed and fertilizer; 1015 seedlings,
60 bags of fertilizer to 500 PLWHA, child headed households and women.
1 project launch meeting on SAVE Model and 9 road shows prior to the launch were
conducted. Approximately, a total of 16750 people attended and were reached with
SAVE messages. 40% of them were women, 35% were youths (22% girls). In attendance
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during the launch was the Secretary to the Office of President and Cabinet, responsible
for HIV and Nutrition, Dr. Mary Shawa, government officials and other dignitaries.
For a more detailed and clear analyzed information, check the “Summary Table: Programme
Progress Results” below ‘page 16’.
FOCUS engage a Rights Based Approach (RBA and SAVE towards sustainable livelihoods
improvement and HIV and AIDS reduction in its comprehensive programming as stipulated in
our Strategic Plan.
As an organization, we note that these successes have not been realized by FOCUS alone
but also with support from various players like; CBOs, VDCs, ADCs, Karonga District Council,
Chiefs, Volunteers, community members and Donor partners i.e. HIVOS, Pact Malawi, Self
Help Africa, Firelight Foundation, Scottish Executive, Christian Aid, War on Want NI, Oxfam
GB, Community Based Monitoring Project (CBM), FAIR Malawi and Tom Popp. We therefore,
salute FOCUS Management for reflective project direction and support staff for actual
implementation of the project activities on the ground. We also pay our upper most
profound gratitude to the Board of Trustees of the organization for the overall strategic
direction of the organization. On the same note, we also thank our donor partners for the
financial support, the Legal Advisor Mr. Cliff Msiska for providing guidance on the amended
Constitution and lastly but not least, we pay our tributes to all our networking partners for
helping us to achieve the mission.
This Annual Report highlights some of the work that has been and continues to be
implemented by FOCUS as part of the 2007-2010 strategic plan.
The organisation growth in terms of scale of program size and achievements stated continue
to be registered in a dynamic environment in which a number of significant changes and
events are taking place, both externally and internally. Of particular magnitude is the
economic downturn, earthquakes and other disasters which have huge implications on the
lives of vulnerable/marginalised and resource poor who are already vulnerable to various
forms of shocks and stresses.. The political environmental in Malawi contributes a great deal
to the success of our work as the political will of any government is important for any political
cy lobbying to be successful. This Annual report touches to most of these external factors.
The implementation of the 2010 plan would not have been possible without the genuine
support of the development partners, rights holders who are vulnerable to most of the issues,
stakeholders, local, regional and international bodies where FOCUS is an active member,
committed Board of Trustees and skilled staff where it will be shared . We will continue
reflecting, learning on the appropriate interventions that are people-centred in addressing
issues as per our mandate in the new 2011 and 2014 Strategic Plan. is compiled with a view
of helping FOCUS Management and Staff, Government of Malawi, development partners,
stakeholders.
1.0. Context of the Organization
1.1 Background
Foundation for Community Support Services (FOCUS) is a non-political, non-profit making
non-governmental organization that was formed in January 2000. It was established to tackle
reproductive health issues affecting the youth (boys and girls), women and other vulnerable
groups of Commercial Sex Workers. FOCUS got registered with the Trustees Incorporation Act
of 1962 in September 2001, with National Youth Council of Malawi under the National Youth
Council Act of 1996 in 2005 and with the NGO Board in September, 2007. FOCUS is a paid up
member of the Council for NGOs in Malawi (CONGOMA), Malawi Network of AIDS Service
Organisations (MANASO) and the NGO Board. It is a founding member of the Forum for Non
Governmental Organisations in Youth Development (FONYODE) and currently FOCUS is also
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the acting chair the Karonga District AIDS Coordinating Committee (DACC) an executive
member of Karonga NGO Network (KANGONE) in Karonga District], is the deputy chair for
FONYODE and serves as the Deputy Chair of CONGOMA.
1.2 Vision
FOCUS has a vision of communities in which there is openness in talking about HIV/AIDS as
well as full awareness of its dangers and how to avoid these. There is hope and not despair
amongst those who are HIV positive. There is also a strong sense of caring for those who are
HIV positive. One can see this in, for example, the existence of support groups, or the
inclusion of those who are HIV positive in various community activities, or in the absence of a
judgemental attitude towards those who are HIV positive. All this means communities that
are free from HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination as well as ones in which infection rates are
falling. This goes hand in hand with a responsible attitude to sexual behaviour. At the same
time communities can easily access products, services and treatments for HIV/AIDS.
As a foundation to these shifts around HIV/AIDS, we see communities that are well informed
and actively debating a range of issues including cultural practices. Also,we see
communities that are dealing with problems as they arise, and where each household is
nutritionally secure, has good basic sanitation infrastructure and is economically viable. As
part of enabling all of this, each community has a resource centre of some sort.”
1.3 Mission Statement
FOCUS is a non-governmental service providing organisation committed towards preventing
HIV infection and mitigating AIDS impact, targeting men, women, girls and boys in Malawi.
1.4 Core Values
Our core values determine and indicate our resolve to achieve and live the mission and
vision respectively. The following are the core values of the organisation: Transparency and Accountability
 Love
 Compassionate
 Hard working
 Integrity
 Honesty
 Team work
2.0. Major Developmental Changes
In terms of major developmental changes, FOCUS has looked at the following significant
changes across all the levels:
 Governance at organisational level
 Governance in all NGO’s in Malawi,
 Involvement in international, national policy advocacy, lobbying and networking
 Staff Recruitment, development and retention.
 Donor retention and diversification of resource base.
2.1 Governance at FOCUS level
As far as governance and implementation of the policies is concerned, the Board provided
guidance, encouragement and the overall direction of the organisation on such issues. And
as the year 2010, is concerned the Board worked tirelessly to give the clear direction on how
the management and staff have to behave themselves prudently in the organisation and
always to remember the core values of the organisation. Apart from that, the organisation
also achieved the following as far as governance and implementation of policies is
concerned:
Adherence to the limits of the same ratified Constitution as we are waiting for the legal
opinion on the revised constitution.
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Developed a Strategic Plan for the Organisation for 3 years beginning from the year
2011 -2013 with financial support from PACT Malawi and CABUNGO facilitated the
whole process. The Strategic Plan was developed after going through a process called
Organisation Capacity Assessment (OCA) in 2009 which identified a number of issues
which needed to be addressed and one those pertinent issues was the development
of the Strategic Plan so that as an organisation, we needed to reposition ourselves.
Developed a Fundraising Strategy document, which will eventually help the
organisation to organise events that will help to raise funds e.g. organising special
events, creation of IGAs, engaging the corporate/private companies and proposal
writing as some of the components that can help the organisation to diversify its
resource base.
Incorporating the Staff Appraisal document, which eventually has motivated and given
high morale to members of staff to work in a conducive environment therefore giving
out their best.
Started the implementation of the HIV/AIDS at Work Place Policy.
The organisation has maintained the Board representation of both males and females.
The organisation had also some improvements on how it conducts Management and
Staff meetings.
Organising and conducting Board meetings for checks and balances on the today –
today operations of the organisation and provide timely advice.
The review of the Organisation Structure and implementation of some Human Resource
policies.
2.2 Governance in all NGO’s in Malawi
 Still serving as the Vice Chairperson of Council for Non Governmental Organisation in
Malawi (CONGOMA)
 Participated in CONGOMA meetings where national issues of NGO’s were discussed
and NGOs informed about the position of CONGOMA in Malawi for instance issuing of
press statements which had seen government rescinding decisions e.g. declaring
Karonga as Disaster prone area.
 Elected to deputise the Regional Network in Africa championing the new HIV/AIDS
model called SAVE, which stands for Safe practices (which encompasses all prevention
methods e.g. condom use, abstinence, and be faithful), Available/Access to
medication or treatment – (nutritious foods, available ARTs), Voluntary Counselling and
Testing and Empowerment – (right to education, to seek for information, resources for
small businesses etc) which is being piloted in Karonga District for 3 years.
2.3 Staff Development
In FOCUS, staff development is all about strengthening each person’s existing knowledge,
skills and ways of working and helping them to acquire new skills, experience and knowledge
so they can perform their jobs more effectively. FOCUS still believes that developing people is
not only about formal training, although this can play an important role. It is also about
learning in different ways both Formal and Less Formal. The following staff have benefited
and accomplished their areas of study while at the same time, some are still continuing. For
instance:
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Technician Diploma - Finance Officer ( still under study)
Diploma in Computers and IT in Business and Management with Cambridge
International College passed with Merit and awarded UK- EDI Certificate – Acting M &
E Officer
Diploma 1 in HIV/AIDS Management with- passed with credit
Community Outreach Co-ordinator passed with a credit - Diploma in Rural and
Community Development
Other staff members are still understudying various courses e.g. Tamiwe (Finance &
Admin. Officer, Ndiuzayani Jinazali (Accounts Assistant) and George Kamuday (Office
Assisitant)
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These skills will contribute to the change of the organization growth and improve service
delivery if castigated well. Eventually, FOCUS believe that the results in mid and long term will
assist in understanding development issues more deeply and improve our programming
2.4 Organisation Finances (Donor retention and Resource base).
 Supported the Construction of Namasalima HIV Counselling and Testing Centre with
financial support from War On Want-Northern Ireland (NI)
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Managed to maintain most of the 2009 donors (HIVOS, FAIR Malawi which later was
branded and called Self Help Africa (SHA), Tom Pop, Pact Malawi, Christian Aid, WOW
and Firelight Foundation.
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PACT Malawi Community REACH project phased out in 2010 and the project was
successfully closed out. But managed to secure BRIDGE/JHU (CCP) Project funding
through PACT Malawi.
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Increased donor portfolio from 7 to 11 (Pact Malawi (JHU/BRIDGE), Christian AID, EHLScottish Government through Christian AID Malawi, Community Based Monitoring
Project (CBM), OXFAM (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene – WASH), Self Help Africa (SHA),
PACT Malawi, Firelight Foundation, WOW NI, HIVOS and finally but not least FAIR
Malawi.
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Self Help Africa (SHA) procured additional Project motor vehicle
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In terms of donor relation, there has been no reports of financial mismanagement in
2010 or disciplinary action on the issues around financial mismanagement.
Fig above shows statistics on financial resource base in the year 2010.
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Pie Chart showing contribution of financial resources for 2010 in %centage
3.0 Political, Socio and economic Situation and Trends
3.1 Minority Rights in Malawi (Gay couple convicted)
In late December 2009, a transgender woman and a man, Tiwonge Chimbalanga and
Steven Monjeza, were arrested for holding a traditional 'engagement' party. They were
imprisoned in Blantyre, denied bail and stood trial. On 18 May, they were found guilty,
although there had been an international outcry from LGBT solidarity groups. On 29 May
2010, President Bingu Wa Mutharika pardoned both individuals. Homosexual acts are illegal
in Malawi. Section 153 prohibits "unnatural offences". Section 156 concerning "public
decency" is used to punish homosexual acts.
Malawian society
Homosexual acts are proscribed under the Malawi Penal Code of 1930, drafted when
Malawi was under British colonial rule and retained after independence. No specific laws
against homosexuality were in place before British rule.
Homosexuality remains largely a taboo subject in the generally conservative country. But in
quest to fight HIV and AIDS, in 2009 Dr. Mary Shawa, Secretary for nutrition, HIV and AIDS in
the president's office, argued that Malawi must recognize the rights of its gay population to
be able to step up its fight against AIDS. This was the first public government comment on
homosexuality in the broadly conservative country. Dr. Shawa said that Malawi would not be
able to fight the virus without giving gays access to HIV and AIDS services. The Centre for the
Development of People (CEDEP), an organisation working with homosexuals, has said the HIV
prevalence rate was at 25% among the country's gay population.
3.2 HIV/AIDS Draft Bill of 2010
Criminalisation of HIV transmission
The proposed HIV Bill proscribes criminal punishment or a fine to anyone who transmits HIV
either ‘deliberately,’ ‘recklessly’ or ‘negligently’ (Article 44 & 45). Punishing individuals for
reckless or negligent transmission can lead to individuals being punished who were unaware
of their HIV status, those who took risk-reducing measures like using protection or informing
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their partner, or those who fail to inform their partner due to fear of gender based violence or
other negative consequences. Applying criminal law to punish HIV transmission could
discourage people from getting tested because lack of knowledge of one's status could be
the best defence in a criminal law suit.i In some countries with HIV specific criminal laws,
health counsellors have to caution individuals being tested that knowing their HIV status
could mean criminal liability if they find out their HIV status and continue having sex. These
same health counsellors can also be used as witnesses against the individual in a criminal
trial, which interferes with doctor-patient confidentiality and discourages individuals from
coming forward for testing.ii It can also lead to placing full responsibility for the spread of HIV
on individuals who have the virus, undermining the public health message that HIV
prevention must be a shared responsibility of all sexual partners.
It is further argued that there is no evidence that criminalizing HIV transmission will reduce the
spread of HIV.iii Indeed, criminalizing the transmission of HIV has not been shown to
incapacitate, rehabilitate, or deter offenders—considering that most people do not know
their status during the first few months they contract HIV, which is the period where it is most
likely to be transmitted to others. While some argue that punishing HIV transmission may
protect women from their unfaithful and sometimes abusive sexual partners, criminalizing HIV
transmission disproportionately harms women. Women are more likely than men to know
their HIV status because they are more likely to engage the health system, and therefore be
blamed for bringing the virus home. Women may face abuse, disinheritance, or lose their
children as consequences of disclosing their status and under Malawi’s draft law may face
criminal charges for spreading HIV to an unborn child. Indeed, the disproportionately
negative impact of the draft Bill on women may contravene the gender equity provisions of
the Malawi Constitution as well as international conventions such as Convention on the
Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
Malawian legal experts, and the overwhelming majority of stakeholders surveyed in a recent
study opposed criminalizing the spread of HIV. As an evidentiary matter it may be impossible
to prosecute cases of criminal transmission in Malawi without a high risk of wrong convictions.
Proving transmission is difficult and expensive, requiring phylogenetic (DNA) testing which is
currently unavailable in Malawi and does not even prove the direction of HIV transmission.
And if prosecutions did increase, HIV rates in prisons may increase and prison conditions
would worsen for Malawian prisons that are already operating at double capacity.
UNAIDS encourages using existing laws to punish individuals in those rare cases of malicious
transmission of HIV, rather than HIV-specific laws.iv Current laws exist in Malawi to prosecute
those who deliberately and maliciously infect others with diseases, and these laws can be
amended if necessary.v Thus, instead of applying criminal laws broadly to punitively stop the
spread of HIV, the state should focus on making an open environment for people who have
HIV to seek testing, disclose their HIV status, and practice safe sex without stigma or
discrimination.
Compulsory HIV Testing
The proposed Malawi HIV Bill contains provisions for the compulsory testing of certain groups
of people, including pregnant couples, sex workers, domestic workers, and other public
employees including: police, immigration department, army, and health workers. vi UNAIDS,
WHO, and most stakeholders surveyed in Malawi disapproved of compulsory testing of any
group as incompatible with current human rights legislation and the Malawi Constitution.vii
Indeed, marginalizing certain groups has been proven ineffective as the majority of HIV
transmission in Malawi is occurring within married or cohabiting couples. viii And in Malawi
voluntary testing efforts for those who encounter the health system are hugely successful with
the overwhelming majority of individuals agreeing to be tested for HIV when available, with
testing numbers increasing by 133% between 2004 and 2006.ix
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HIV testing offered to pregnant women and their partners as part of a prevention of mother
to child transmission programme is almost universal, with the overwhelming majority of
women having access to the service participating,x and with steady increases in
participating mothers from 2003 on.xi There is no evidence that compulsory testing of
pregnant couples will lead to higher coverage and it may actually lead to women declining
antenatal care, particularly in conjunction with draft Bill provisions that criminalize knowing
transmission of HIV to a partner. Furthermore, mandatory testing without full access to HIV
treatment will not directly lead to decreased HIV transmission from mother to child. There are
no provisions in the draft Bill for increased resources for the provision of ART for preventing
mother to child transmission. And in 2007, only 32% of HIV positive women in need of ARVs for
PMTCT were receiving them in Malawi,xii illustrating that the lack of universal treatment is a
lack of resource issue rather than a refusal to participate.
The compulsory testing of sex workers is not recommended by UNAIDS. As well as being
contrary to human rights it is impractical and unworkable and more effective results can be
reached by supporting sex workers and their partners to access HIV testing, prevention, and
support. Indeed, according to consultations with Malawian sex workers, compulsory testing
will not deter sex work, could drive sex work underground, by denial of sex work to avoid
testing, and hiding once testing positive to avoid criminalisation.
Compulsory testing of polygamous unions and domestic workers has been deemed to be
discriminatory and lacking sound basis, as there is no evidence that such unions are more
likely to transmit HIV than monogamous unions. Some have criticized this provision for unfairly
targeting a sizable population of Muslims who legally enter into polygamous marriages, in
violation of the Malawi Constitution. Further polygamous unions are customary and rarely
recorded in front of a public official and would be difficult to track down to mandate testing.
Pre-employment HIV testing for public employees—such as police, immigration department,
army, and health work workers is not recommended, because except in very rare
circumstances, such employees would carry a small risk of transmission to others. For other
workers there is no sound rationale for compulsory testing and testing should be confidential,
voluntary, and linked to care. Instead, increasing access to information about universal
precautions to prevent exposure is a better way of preventing the risk of transmission for
those who may come into contact with potentially infected body fluids at work.
Forced disclosure
The draft Bill states that as long as the infected person is first counselled regarding the need
to notify the spouse or sexual partner, and as long as the health service provider suspects the
infected person will not inform the spouse or sexual partner, then disclosure is allowed.
Forced disclosure of HIV status without consideration of the individual’s ability to disclose
safely and concerns about repercussions infringes upon privacy and can lead to stigma and
abuse. Thus, the draft Bill should encourage voluntary disclosure and limit forced disclosure to
rare circumstances where a real risk of HIV transmission exists, and prohibit it where
abandonment, gender based violence, or other harmful circumstances are likely to result.
3.3. The Karonga earthquake sequence that hit Karonga, December 2009
After 3 months of low intensity seismological activity, Karonga was hit by a sequence of
stronger earthquakes ranging between 5,4 to 6.0 on the Richter scale, between 6 and 20th
December 2009. Seismological activity continues and is taking the form of an earthquake
swarm. The Government of Malawi formally declared a national emergency on 21st
December, 2009 after several NGOs, FBOs, CBOs and other developmental structures
vigorously advocated for and called upon the Malawi government to declare Karonga
District as the disaster prone area. On 11th December the Government indicated that 2752
families had been affected. This rose to 3860 on 18 December, at 20 December the figure
was placed by Senior Officials in DoDMA (the national disaster management authority) at
4677. On 22 December, the official Government figures indicate a total of 5126 families
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FOCUS
affected, with 1557 collapsed reportedly houses. The joint mission of WFP, UNICEF, FAO and
UNFPA in their meetings with the District Administration established that the total number of
affected people stands at 31220 and these would be mainly the people whose housing was
partially or completely destroyed and/or people who moved into the camp. The below
figure quoted by Government centrally of 215,428 refers to people living in the area that has
felt the impacts of the earthquakes.
Below are some of the photos taken after the earthquake had hit Karonga:
Earthquake caused faults and collapsed
buildings
An earthquake caused fault
House destroyed by an earthquake 6.0 magnitude
The formal Government summary of damage caused as on 24th December 2009 is as
follows:
I. Highlights/Key Priorities
• Number of deaths.............................................................................................................. 4
• Number of people injured ........................................................................................... 186
• Total number of people affected ....................................................................... 215,428
• Average household size ................................................................................................... 6
• Under five children affected - (as at 18th December 2009) ............................. 2,786
• School going children affected - ......................................................................... 15,000
• Institutional infrastructure damaged:
 Police Mobile Force houses .................................................................................15
 School blocks ..........................................................................................................17
 Agriculture houses .................................................................................................27
 Teachers houses .....................................................................................................48
 Telecentre ................................................................................................................ 1
 Health post ................................................................................................................ 1
 Water points .............................................................................................................. 5
 Churches ................................................................................................................... 7
 Business places .......................................................................................................17
 Mosques ................................................................................................................... 2
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3.4. Fuel / Forex Shortage:
Malawian small businesses and NGO work which relies on the availability of fuel were in dire
straits due to a shortage of fuel that hit the country at the beginning of September, 2010.
Some enterprises were unable to move goods to and from markets while others that depend
on diesel or petrol to run machinery and community work had to suspend operations.
Fuel became so precious and was being rationed. People were parking their vehicles at
service stations overnight, forming long queues as they were waiting for petrol tankers to
arrive.
In 2009, Malawi also suffered another catastrophic fuel shortage which lasted for close to 2
months and, according to the Economists Association of Malawi (ECAMA), led to businesses
suffering losses of up to 74 million dollars. ECAMA warned that that the unavailability of fuel
would again have long-lasting negative economic consequences.
The Council for Non-Governmental Organisations in Malawi (CONGOMA), an umbrella body
representing non-governmental organisations, took an active role in negotiating with the
government to explain to the entire nation on the scarcity. FOCUS, as one of the organisation
in the CONGOMA executives, also took part in these negotiations.
Summary of Political, Socio and economic Situation and Trends
The Political, Socio and economic situation and trends described above have in a number of
ways contributed to unconducive environment for an organisation like FOCUS to effectively
operate but at the same time, it taught us a lesson of coping and redesigning our strategies
to suit the environment that we were in, hence the results attained.
4.0. Internal Organisation - Major Policy Decisions
Staff Retention
• The staff was reduced from 25 to 24 (9 Females and 16 Males)
• The organisation suffered a great shock with the death of the then M & E officer, Mr.
Piet Mughogho; who died after a short illness in December, 2010.
New Staff on Board
• Recruited the Project Coordinator of EHL (Mr. Edward Mulinde) who later resigned
and was replaced with Heinz Kaposa as the project coordinator.
• On attachment basis, there were 2 officers: 1 under Behavior Change
Communication project and 1 under Community Based Monitoring Project.
 Almost 30 applications for attachment (Internship)in different fields of work are
received annually, but only 12% per year are recruited which gives us an
assignment to have a clear programme statement and this is where FOCUS
needs to improve.
5.0 Programme Description
The overall development goal of FOCUS is to build community competences in
preventing HIV infection and mitigating AIDS impact and its associated effects
5.1 Programme Strategic Objectives
 To improve nutrition and the economic status in vulnerable households as well as
sanitation generally in communities in Karonga, Chitipa and Zomba.
 To inspire behaviour change in all areas relating to HIV/AIDS.
 To equip communities with requisite skills in lobbying and advocating for issues related
to HIV/AIDS.
 To improve households’ food security and access to income in amongst 7400
households in Karonga and Chitipa districts by 2015.
 To strengthen the organisation cohesion and effectiveness of FOCUS.
 To strengthen networking activities with other Stakeholders.
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5.2 Programme Outcomes/Strategic Objectives.
The Programme strategic objectives will be achieved through activity implementation
which will yield the following outcomes:
Outcome 1:
Improved quality life of the HIV and AIDS infected and affected people
in Karonga District
Outcome 2:
Behaviour Change among men, women, boys and girls living in
Karonga district.
Outcome 3:
An empowered community that is able to prevent HIV infection and
mitigate AIDS impact.
Outcome 4:
An empowered community that promotes gender equality and safe
motherhood.
Outcome 5:
Improved quality life of Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Group
Village Headman Mwandwanga in Karonga District.
Outcome 6:
Improved households’ food security and access to income amongst
7,400 households in Karonga and Chitipa Districts by 2015
6.0 Impact areas and beneficiaries
FOCUS is working in Karonga and Chitipa in the northern and Zomba, in the southern
region of Malawi and it intends to reach out to a total population of about 142,260
people in all its service areas compared to 110,000 people in 2009. In the north, the
programme is implemented in Karonga and Chitipa Districts and covers 4 Traditional
Authorities, 1 Senior Traditional Authority and 1 Paramount Chief: The details are as
follows:
1. Paramount Kyungu, in Group Village Headmen Mwakabanga, Kayuni and Katolola
with a total population of 21,000 (KDH Health Surveillance Report). We are targeting
23% of the total population (4,830) that consists of 300 chronically ill and 140 people
living with HIV/AIDS as our primary beneficiaries. The 4390 are secondary beneficiaries
(2,110 men and 2,280 women) consisting of guardians, volunteers, men, women, boys
and girls.
There are 442 direct beneficiaries who have so far benefited from the programme. Of
these 183 are male and 259 are female. Out of the 442 beneficiaries, 142 are PLWHA
(87 females and 55 males) while 300 are chronically ill people (172 females and 128
males). The programme has also benefited 1200 children and other 2220 men,
women, boys and girls. While the programme still continues, it is hoped that the
number of beneficiaries at the beginning of each implementation year will be
increasing.
Still in Traditional Authority Paramount Kyungu, FOCUS works in Group Village
Headmen Zindi and Mwandwanga in 10 villages with a total population of 9,000
(2,500 men, 2,500 women, 2,000 girls and 2,000 boys) and also in 2 sections of
Ndembwera and Kayuni where there are 4 villages with 1,437 farm families (SHA
Project).
2. In T/A Wasambo and Mwirang’ombe, we are working in Group Village Headmen
Kaswela, Mchekacheka, Mwakashunguti, Mponela, Mwakhwawa, Mwakashunguti
and Mwandovi with a total target beneficiary of 28, 800 people (16,800 young
people aged 10-25 i.e. 300 direct and 16,500 indirect beneficiaries, 12,000 older
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people i.e. men, 7,500 females and 4,500 males, broken down into 50 direct and
11,500 indirect beneficiaries).
3. In T/A Mwakaboko, the programme works in 15 villages with a total population of
17,000 people and a target beneficiary community of 9,000 (3,000 men, 2,000
women, 2,000 girls and 2,000 boys).
4. In STA Kalonga, we are working in 19 Village headmen with 2,462 farm families (SHA
Project) and on EHL activities, the project targets a population of 26,550 people
(6,150 youths, 300 religious leaders, 12,000 faith congregation members, 6000 other
community members, and 1800 households plus 300 vulnerable households
economically empowered) in Karonga District.
5. While in Chitipa, the activities are implemented in T/A Mwaulambya and targets 36
village headmen and a total population of 4,273 farm families.
6. In the Southern Region, FOCUS is working in Zomba District in Traditional Authority
Kuntumanje in Group Village Headman Namasalima in 15 villages with a total
population of 33,000 people and a target beneficiary community of 500 chronically ill
and 76 people living with HIV/AIDS as our primary beneficiaries.
7.0 Developmental Approach
FOCUS focuses its programme activities on the development approach and methodology
which are founded on participatory learning action. It believes in and uses the participatory
community competence building methodology that empowers the communities to take
charge of their own developmental initiatives. This methodology critically looks at the
following 3 building blocks:



Solidarity and willingness to serve.
Sustainable resources.
Skills building.
In these building blocks, FOCUS pursues the gender sensitive gender in development
approach which encompasses women, men, boys and girls as equal partners in
development. In the long term, FOCUS would like to see a community with the following key
indicators:

Knowledge level (existing) – the majority or all members are aware, in detail and in a
realistic way, of their individual and collective vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. They should
have practical knowledge and skills of the different options they can take to reduce
their vulnerability or risk.

Motivation to intervene (the spirit of solidarity and willingness to serve) – members take
action within their capacity, applying their own strengths and investing their own
resources including labour, money, time, materials and whatever else they can
contribute.

Empowerment level (community empowerment) – members participate in decisionmaking on what action to take, monitor and evaluate their results and take
responsibility for failure. The community seeks outside assistance and cooperation
when it need.
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8.0. Summary Table: Program Progress Results
Activity
Progress as reporting this Indicators of Results
Overall achievements, changes and Comments
period.
constraints.
Strategic Objective 1: To improve nutrition and the economic status in vulnerable households as well as sanitation generally in communities in Karonga,
Chitipa and Zomba Districts.
Outcome 1.1: Improved quality life of the HIV/AIDS infected and affected people in Karonga District.
Result 1.1.1: Increased community capacity to manage and cope with negative impact of HIV/AIDS and other ailments through community awareness, civic
education, home-based and orphan care and prevention measures
1.1 Community HIV/AIDS
education
for
behaviour
change
through
HIV
Counselling
and
Testing
and
community outreach
campaigns.1
2
outreach
campaigns 
were conducted and 42
people (29 male and 13 
females) were counselled
and
tested.
These
community
outreaches
were conducted in 2
different areas where such
services are rarely or hardly
available (Ndebwera and
Kasimba)
# of outreach activities
conducted.
# of people tested
(females and males).
1.2 Conduct 3 Group
therapy
activities
meetings for PLWHAs
Support groups in 3 CBOs
namely (Twiyule, Mlare
and Lupembe).
3
meetings
in
Group 
Therapy
activities
were
conducted. The main aims 
of the trainings were
to
bring awareness on how
PLWHAs
can
involve
themselves in a Support
Group and also understand
Number of meetings
conducted.
Ability
by
the
participants
in
understanding
and
articulating
issues
concerning
group
therapy concept.
2
outreach
campaigns
were
conducted and 42 people (29 male
and 13 females) were counselled and
tested. These community outreaches
were conducted in 2 different areas
where such services are rarely or hardly
available (Ndebwera and Kasimba).
The stated areas are the areas that are
in the category of hard to reach areas,
where HTC and other health services
are scarce. During these outreaches
people expressed appreciation and
urged the organisation to conduct
more of such services so that many
people can be tested and thereafter
make informed decisions about their
lives.
3 meetings in Group Therapy activities
were conducted. The main objectives
of these trainings were
to bring
awareness on how PLWHAs can involve
themselves in a Support Group and
also understand the usage and
importance
of
medicinal
plants,
concepts of home remedies, have
1
FAIR Project activities 2010
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Annual Report
To enhance the quality of
services provided by the
organisation in the areas
where such services are
unavailable, there is need to
conduct
more
outreach
activities so that more
people can be sensitised,
tested and make informed
decisions about their life
after their knowing their serostatus.
Intensify
group
therapy
trainings / meetings and also
the involvement of PLWHAs
in group therapy activities to
make a meaningful impact
by discussing the issues that
affect their daily life e.g.
distance covered for ART
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Progress as reporting this Indicators of Results
period.
the usage and importance  Increased knowledge
of
medicinal
plants,
on
importae
and
concepts
of
home
usage
of
herbal
remedies, have knowledge
medicinal plants
on herbal, pregnancy and
ARTs and also understand
the concept of group
therapy activities.
1.3
Conduct 1 herbal
medicinal
training
sessions to PLWHAs.
1 training was conducted to 
75 (41 females and 34
females) PLWHAs in Herbal 
medicinal as part of the
group therapy. This was to
equip them with skills on
how
to
prepare
and
apply/dosage,
misconceptions
about
herbals and educate them
on some of the medicinal
plants that cannot be taken
by a person who is on ART
and expectant.
Number of people
trained
Improved skills and
knowledge
in
preparation,
application
and
storage
of
herbal
medicines.
1.4 Conduct meeting
with People Living with
HIV and AIDS (PLWHAs)
1 meeting was conducted 
and reached out to 59 (39
females and
20 males) 
PLWHAs
attended
the
Number of PLWHAs
reached.
Knowledge gained in
new
life
coping
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FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
knowledge on herbal, pregnancy and
ARTs and also understand the concept
of group therapy activities. It is
evidenced that there has been great
improvement on how those who are in
support
groups
understand
and
articulate issue concerning group
therapy concepts and also on their
involvement in making the concept
understood
to
the
community
members.
1 training on herbal medicinal was
conducted to 75 (41 females and 34
females) PLWHAs as part of the group
therapy. This was to equip them with
skills on how to prepare, store and
apply / dosage, misconceptions about
herbals and educate them on some of
the medicinal plants that cannot be
taken by a person who is on ART and
pregnant. During the activities, it was
evidenced that there is positive
change on attitudes, knowledge and
behaviours of PLWHAs towards the
usage of herbal medicine and their
misconceptions.
The major challenge noted during the
implementation of the activities was
that inadequate resources restricted
the activities to reach out to other
areas where there is need to provide
such activities.
During this meeting, 59 (39 females and
20 males) PLWHAs participated. The
representation of women during the
meetings which is pegged at 66% out
Annual Report
Comments
treatment,
stigma
and
discrimination which leads to
most family divorces..
There is need to conduct
more
herbal
medicine
sessions
which
includes
theoretical, practical and
participation
on
group
therapy
need
to
be
intensified to PLWHAs if we
are to make a great impact
and increase its usage in the
community
hence
more
financial resources needed
to reach out to many
PLWHAs in various targeted
areas.
There is need to carry out
more of such livelihood
activities in more CBOs, so
that many PLWHAs should be
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
techniques
and of total number of people who
importance of sero- attended
the
meeting
was
status disclosure.
encouraging, especially when it comes
to issues of gender equality. It was also
noted during the meetings that the
participants expressed willingness to
learn more on new skills of life coping
techniques and importance of serostatus disclosure. The activity didn’t
achieve
much
results
due
to
inadequate resources which restricted
the exercise to reach out to the
remaining CBOs / support groups.
Result 1.1.2: Improved nutritional status of PLWHA and chronically ill through improved diets and feeding regimes.
2.1. Conduct community 3 community nutrition and  Number of PLWHAs So far the project has managed to
workshops on nutrtition
natural medicine education
reached.
conduct 3 Community workshops on
and natural medicine
training was conducted.  Number of community nutrtition and natural medicine and
education to 3 CBOs.
The
objectives
of
the
workshops
has reached out to 94 people (66
training were to give more
conducted.
females and 28 males). Because of
details on the relation  Improved skills and these workshops the lives of PLWHAs
between
nutrition
and
knowledge in areas of and that of the guardians’ have
HIV/AIDS,
describe
the
food
preparation, tremendously been improved which
benefits
of
adequate
storage,
sanitation has contributed to decrease in number
nutrition
for
PLWHAs,
and herbal processing of untimely deaths due to lack of
emphasize to the PLHWAs
by
guardians
and knowledge on nutrition amongst the
on following recommended
PLWHAs .
PLWHAs. Following the observations
practices
of
improving
during the meetings, it was noted that
nutritional status and further
the PLWHAs have demonstrated the
explain the benefits of good
ability and keen interest in adapting
nutrition for PLWHAs and
the new life coping methodologies. The
families
affected
with
3 trainings were conducted in 3 GVHs
HIV/AIDS.
namely: (Katolola, Mwakabanga and
Kayuni) where 3 CBOs were targeted
and 94 people participated (66
females and 28 males).
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Progress as reporting this
period.
meeting.
2010
Indicators of Results
FOCUS
Annual Report
Comments
involved
and
have
a
chance of learning new
experiences and be able to
share their experiences too.
There is need to increase the
number
of
community
nutrition workshops so that
the targeted interventions
can be accessed by many
PLWHAs and also as an
recommendation, there is
need to incorporate the
guardians in such trainings so
that there should be no
knowledge gap between
the
PLWHAs
and
the
guardians.
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
2.2.
Conduct
group
therapy meetings with
PLWHAs.
2.3 Conduct 2 Nutrition
Facilitators Meeting with
the Nutrition Facilitators.
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Progress as reporting this
period.
3 sessions were conducted
to
PLWHAs.
They
exchanged
experiences
and survival skills in positive
living which assisted to bring
PLWHAs together to share
experiences and promote
nutrition
education;
sanitation and hygiene.
Indicators of Results
2
Nutrition
facilitators’
meetings were conducted.
The aim of the meetings
was to solicit views from the
facilitators since the activity
is becoming the centre of
the project especially in
Support Groups. Various
food
preparation
methodologies
were
practically
shared
to
guardians of chronically ill
patients,
agricultural
extension
workers,
CBO
members, VPC members.

2010





Number
of
group
therapy
meetings
conducted.
Reduced
morbidity
and mortality amongst
PLWHAs
and
chronically ill.
Knowledge gained in
coping
skills
in
HIV/AIDS
complications.
12 trained community
nutrition
facilitators
attended
the
meeting.
Enhanced openness
and
sharing
of
facilitation
skills
amongst the PLWHAs.
Increased knowledge
and skills in food
preparation
and
storage.
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
3 sessions were conducted to PLWHAs.
They exchanged experiences and
survival skills in positive living which
assisted to bring PLWHAs together to
share experiences and promote
nutrition education; sanitation and
hygiene. During these meetings, it was
noted that there has been reduced
occurrence of opportunistic infections
amongst PLWHAs as a result of nutrition
education. The problem of self stigma
and culture of silence has also been
reduced amongst PLWHAs, as they
have been keen enough to disclose
their sero-status. Despite all these
positive results, there is still a challenge
for PLWHAs and Chronically ill patients’
households to have food throughout
the year due to inadequate resources
that would facilitate bumper yields,
which eventually puts their lives at risk.
2 Nutrition facilitators’ meetings were
conducted targeting (12 facilitators).
The aim of the meetings was to solicit
views from the facilitators since the
activity is becoming the centre of the
project especially in Support Groups.
Various
food
preparation
methodologies
were practically
shared to guardians of chronically ill
patients, agricultural extension workers,
CBO members, VPC members. The
sharing was also centering on the six
food groups. During the meetings, it
was noted that there has been an
increased level of sharing of nutritional
Annual Report
Comments
 There
is
need
to
encourage PLWHAs to
participate
in
such
platforms which provide
an opportunity for sharing
HIV and AIDS experiences
amongst PLWHAs and
encouraging each other
on positive living.
 Intensify group therapy
meetings to PLWHAs to
bridge the information
and knowledge gap on
preparation and storage
of herbal medicine and
nutritious foods.
The
meetings
are
eye
openers when it comes to
information,
skills
and
experience
sharing,
therefore, there is need to
intensify such activities to
reach out to many targeted
beneficiaries.
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Progress as reporting this
period.
The
sharing
was
also
centering on the six food
groups.
Indicators of Results
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
skills
and
knowledge
in
food
preparation, sanitation and storage
amongst the PLWHAs, chronically ill
patients guardians and the community
at
large.
Another
notable
achievement, is the increased number
of people participating and active
participation by the PLWHAs and
chronically ill patients guardians in
these meetings, which was rated very
high and encouraging.
2.4 Procure
and 300 seed packets of Rape  Improved
nutritional 300 seed packets of Rape and Chinese
distribute vegetable and Chinese vegetable
status of PLWHAs
vegetable
were
procured
and
seeds.
were
procured
and  Increased
practical distributed to 300 households in 3 CBOs.
distributed
to
300
knowledge and skills in The aim of the activity was to improve
households (3 CBOs). The
food preparation and the nutrition status of PLWHAs and
aim of was to improve the
storage
by
the chronically ill patients on Home Based
nutrition status of PLWHAs
targeted
Care. The targeted beneficiaries have
and chronically ill patients
beneficiaries.
expressed gratitude on the support
on Home Based Care.
and they have indicated the nutrias
foods and economic growth has
helped them enjoying a better life
through decreased sickness and
death.
 The only constraint noted during
the activity implementation is that
there is inadequate continuation
and proper follow-ups on the
initiatives after the initiation of the
interventions.
Result 1.1.3: Increased vulnerable households’ access to basic needs as a result of increased income from livestock.
3.1 Procure
and 200 poultry were procured  Number of beneficiaries 200 poultry were procured and
distribute poultry and and distributed to 200
benefiting from the distributed to 200 households of 3 HIV
livestock
to households of 3 HIV Support
livestock
pass
on Support Groups (70 Twiyure, 65
households
with Groups (70 Twiyure, 65
system.
Lupembe and 65 Mlare). 47 livestock
chronically ill patients Lupembe and 65 Mlare). 47  Improved
lives
of (goats) were also procured and
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Annual Report
Comments
There is need to supply more
fruit and vegetable seedlings
to more clients at household
level to increase the number
of the beneficiaries in area.
Proper
follow-ups
mechanisms should be jointly
deployed
in
order
to
achieve the objectives of
the project.
There is need to intensify this
exercise as it benefits the
PLWHAs
and
other
vulnerable groups which at
the end helps them raise
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
and PLWHAs and
engage
them
in
livestock production.
3.2 Conduct community
mobilisation exercise.
Progress as reporting this Indicators of Results
period.
livestock (goats) were also
beneficiaries through
procured and distributed to
economic growth and
47 households of the same 3
nutrition.
HIV Support groups and 105  Willingness
by
the
pigs were shared amongst
targeted groups to
105 household beneficiaries.
adopt
the
pass-on
system.
1 community mobilisation 
exercise was conducted.
The main aim of the
exercise was to carry out 
the consultation with the
community in the newly
proposed project extension 
sites which includes Mpata
EPA,
Lufita
EPA
and
Mwamkumbwa EPA. 23
villages were mobilised in
the 3 EPAs out of 308
villages.
Number
of
villages
mobilised
and
sensitised.
Number
of
people
participated in the
exercise.
Willingness by the local
leaders
and
the
community to work on
the
new
project
extension.
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
distributed to 47 households of the
same 3 HIV Support groups and 105 pigs
were shared amongst 105 household
beneficiaries.
During
the
implementation of the activity, it was
not that the PLWHAs expressed
willingness / ability to adopt the pass-on
system which makes the whole
approach working as this approach
relies on the initial group to rear the
livestock to pass on to the next level of
the beneficiaries.
 As a major constraint, there are
possibilities that livestock may die
due to early passing on before they
are matured.
1 community mobilisation exercise was
conducted to 23 villages in the 3 EPAs
out of 308 villages which represents 7%.
Due to inadequate resources, the
exercise was restricted to assess all of
the 308 villages in the 3 EPAs, which in
other way invalidates the data
collected in the selected areas as it
doesn’t represent the fair view of the
exercise. Despite the constraints faced
during the exercise e.g. inadequate
funding, the exercise was very
encouraging and successful as it
developed Community Action Plans
which have been rated very good by
the extension workers and the
community themselves.
Comments
their social and economic
status.
On
the
possibilities
of
livestock dying before it is
passed
on
to
other
beneficiaries, the project
team need to explore other
possible means of curbing
this problem so that it really
benefits
the
targeted
beneficiaries.
There is need to extend the
exercise to all of the villages
that have been left out due
inadequate resources.
Result 1.1.4: Monitoring & Evaluation (Lessons learnt and sharing)
1.1.4.1
Project
22 | P a g e
review
1 annual project review was
2010

1
annual
project
1
annual
Annual Report
project
review
was
It is encouraging that the
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Progress as reporting this
period.
conducted.
The
review
aimed at evaluating the
effectiveness
of
the
strategies used, changes
realised
in
the
target
groups, successful stories,
project
gaps
and
challenges. The meeting
brought
together
CBO
representatives, members of
HIV
support
groups,
chronically
ill
patients,
agricultural
extension
workers
(livestock
and
crops) VHs, GVHs, VDCs,
ADCs and other village
development committees.
FOCUS
Indicators of Results
Overall achievements, changes and Comments
constraints.
and
monitoring
of
review
meeting conducted. The meeting brought traditional leaders were able
implemented activities.
conducted.
together
CBO
representatives, to note specific individuals in
 Willingness
by
the members of HIV support groups, their communities that have
community members chronically ill patients, agricultural benefited and are making
and local leaders to extension workers (livestock and crops) progress which shows that
support the project VHs, GVHs, VDCs, ADCs and other there is total commitment by
and its initiatives.
village
development
committees. the leaders on the activities
 Lessons
learnt, During the review meeting, the that are done in their
documented
and targeted
beneficiaries
expressed communities
and
are
shared for use in appreciation
towards
livelihood following up with keen
programming
at approach mostly targeting PLWHAs interest.
community,
district and households with Chronically ill
and national level patients and also the ability by the There is need to intensify
among stakeholders.
community leaders to testify on how education on the new
the project has helped targeted agricultural technologies to
individuals as the project provides total convince more PLWHAs and
HIV support e.g. prevention messages, the Chronically ill patients
HIV testing, caring for the sick with guardians to adopt the
nutrition and herbal education and practice
for
them
to
supporting them with sustainable produce more yields for their
agricultural technologies and farm economic
and
social
inputs.
growth.
Outcome 1.2. Improved quality life of Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Group Village Headman Mwandwanga in Karonga District.
Result 1: Strengthen the capacity of families with orphans and vulnerable children to cope with HIV/AIDS related problems of nutrition, education, economic
and psychosocial.
1.2.1 Provision of School The project supported 20  # of students provided 20 students have been provided with In
2009,
the
project
Fees
students with school fees
with school fees and school
fees
and
other
school supported 25 students but
and other necessities in
other necessities.
necessities at secondary school level due non-continued impact
secondary schools and 3 in  Ability by students to and 3 in tertiary education compared on the lives of the students,
tertiary education.
produce
the to 25 students in the previous year of the project team suggested
expected results and 2009. Progress has been shown that 3 to support the students to
become independent. students who were supported in 2009, attain
higher
level
are attaining high level of education education. This made the
and 3 did the driving school and got number of students to drop
away with the driving licences. Out of 3 from 25 to 20 during this
23 | P a g e
2010
Annual Report
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Result 2:
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
who did the driving school, 1 has
secured a job and he is able to
supporting himself and the family.
Stimulated and strengthened community based responses towards HIV/AIDS and its associated effects.
Conduct
Outreach
awareness campaign on
the rights of orphans and
vulnerable children
24 | P a g e
Progress as reporting this
period.
FOCUS
1
Outreach
awareness
campaign on the right of
orphans and vulnerable
children was conducted at
Kafikisikila
in
order
to
sensitize the community on
the issue. At this meeting ,
a focus group discussion
was conducted at large.
Stakeholders were invited to
answer
some
of
the
questions on the orphans
rights and other concerns.
During
the
awareness
campaign,
an
HIV
counselling and Testing was
mounted, 44 people tested
and amongst 44 people
who tested, 5 were chiefs.
485 people (community
members 161 women, 74
men) 20-25 years (males 57
<and 88 females), 13-19
years (28 male and 17
females) and 5-12 years (24
boys and 36 girls) were
reached
during
the
outreach.
2010
Indicators of Results




# of people reached
with information on
the rights of orphans
and
vulnerable
children.
# of people tested
during the activity.
Increased knowledge
and skills on the rights
of orphans, vulnerable
children and related
issues.
Ability
by
the
community leaders to
promote
HIV/AIDS
education
and
seeking behavior of
HTC services.
1 Outreach awareness campaign on
the right of orphans and vulnerable
children was conducted. During the
meeting duty bearers from the Victim
Support Unit (VSU) police, Traditional
leaders, Kanyighe Community Based
Organisation
and
(FOCUS)
staff
responded to the questions raised
during interface. Almost 90% of the
population that attended the outreach
appreciated and talked about the
importance
of
conducting
such
outreach meetings where issues of
children’s’ rights are addressed. 44
people had their HIV test and amongst
44 people who tested, 5 were chiefs.
This was another landmark in HIV and
health seeking behaviour among
community leaders which was viewed
as a problem before. 485 people
(community members 161 women, 74
men) 20-25 years (males 57< and 88
females), 13-19 years (28 male and 17
females) and 5-12 years (24 boys and
36 girls) were reached during the
outreach.
Annual Report
Comments
reporting period.
The activity was witnessed by
the stakeholders e.g. Victim
Support Unit (VSU) police,
Traditional leaders, Kanyighe
Community
Based
Organisation officials and
other community members
surrounding the areas.
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
FOCUS
Activity
Progress as reporting this Indicators of Results
Overall achievements, changes and
period.
constraints.
Result 3: Support provided to 13 vulnerable teenage mothers in GVH Mbemba in Chief Kyungu’s area in Karonga District
Comments
3.1. Conduct Bi-monthly
meetings with teenage
mothers
of
GVH
Mbemba.
1 bi-monthly meeting was 
conducted
and
in
attendance there were 13 
teen mothers. The objective
of this activity was to create
economic opportunities to
teen mothers so that they
are
able
to
sustain
themselves and meet their
personal needs.
13
teen
mothers
attended the meeting.
1
bi-monthly
teen
mothers
meetings
conducted.
The activities need to be
intensified so that more teen
mothers can be identified
and incorporated in the
program.
3.2. Provision of school
fees to 5 teen mothers.
5 teen mothers opted to go 
back to school. This was a
very great change more
especially for those going
back to school as one of
the objective is to ensure
that teen mothers go back
to school.
5 teen mothers have
gone back to school
3.3. Provision of Start-up
capital to 8 teen mothers
(small scale loans).
8 Teen mothers benefitted 
from small scale loans with
an aim of generating some
interests
and
thereby 
improving on their day to
day welfare
# of teen mother
provided with start-up
capitals for business.
Knowledge and skills
gained in business
management.
25 | P a g e
2010
1 bi-monthly meeting was conducted
and in attendance there were 13 teen
mothers. The activity objective create
economic
opportunities
to
teen
mothers so that they are able to sustain
themselves and meet their personal
needs. The meeting managed to
monitor the progress on the planned
activities, learn more about the
challenges the group has been facing
during the implementation of activities,
document lessons learnt and designed
a plan of action for 2011.
5 teen mothers opted to go back to
school. This was a very great change
more especially for those going back
to school as one of the objective is to
ensure that teen mothers go back to
school.
Community members have
expressed appreciation towards the
initiative as it will ensure that teen
mothers are encouraged and making
informed decisions about their lives.
The teen mothers who have gone back
to school will eventually be the role
models in their communities
8 Teen mothers benefitted from small
scale loans with an aim of generating
some interests and thereby improving
on their day to day welfare. Apart
from actual provision of the loans, the
teen mothers were also imparted with
skills in business management so that
there should be continuity of the
Annual Report
The going back of five teen
mothers to school is a
positive start and need to be
encouraged so that more
teen mothers can also
emulate the good example.
The small scale loans is a
good initiative, therefore
need to be strengthened so
that
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Progress as reporting this
period.
Strategic Objective 2:
Indicators of Results
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
programme.
The programme has
been implemented in collaboration
with the Opportunity International Bank
of Malawi (OIBM)
Comments
To inspire behaviour change in all areas relating to HIV/AIDS
Outcome 2.1: Behaviour Change among men, women, boys and girls living in Karonga district.
Result 2.1.1:
Reduced percentage of youths aged 10-25, practicing unprotected sex in Karonga District from 33.6% to 15% by December, 2010.
2.1.1.1
Conduct
bimonthly meeting for
Out of school Youth
Peer Educators.
26 | P a g e
6 Bi-monthly meetings were
conducted and 35 trained
peer educators from 7
Youth organisations were
targeted.
The
main
objective of carrying out
these meetings was to
review
peer educators’
activities through sharing of
reports and data analysis,
and sharing of experiences
in youth work.
2010
 Number of bi-monthly
meetings conducted.
 Enhanced knowledge
and skills on HIV and
AIDS
prevention
activities.
 Increased number of
people going for HTC
services.
 Increased
level
of
knowledge and skills on
condom use amongst
out of school youths.
 During these meetings, it was
revealed that through different
activities that are done in schools,
596 (332 males and 244 females)
youths aged 15 to 20 yrs have gone
for voluntary counselling and testing
services compared to 237 (136 male,
101 female) youths underwent the
same services in last reporting period
which represents a 44% increase.
 268 (118 males and 150 females)
youths aged 15 – 25 yrs have been
reached out to with HIV and AIDS
and SRH information especially on
the importance of abstaining from
early sexual debut and using
condoms correctly and consistently.
 8137 males condoms have been
distributed to 401 youths within the
same age band.
 127 youths have also been reached
mostly on the emphasis of dangers
of having unprotected sex and early
pregnancies.
 Through video screening as an
Annual Report
There is need to provide
intensive
technical
backstopping support to the
peer educators on the areas
of dissemination of HIV and
AIDS and SRH information in
schools and communities for
behaviour change. As the
reports reveal that the peer
educators somehow lack
technical
support
from
project staff due erratic field
visits.
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Progress as reporting this
period.
Indicators of Results
2.1.1.2 Conduct quarterly
meetings of Auntie Stella
facilitators for out-ofschool youths.
4
Out-of-school
youth
Auntie Stella facilitator’s
quarterly meetings were
conducted
and
14
facilitators attended the
meetings.
The
main
objective of the meeting
was
to
share
the
experiences of the activities
planned, conducted and
note achievements.
 Number of quarterly
meetings conducted.
 Ability by Aunt Stella
facilitators to facilitate
sessions.
 Number
of
youths
going for Aunt Stella
activities.
 Increased demand of
HIV
and
AIDS
information by in-school
and
out-of-school
youths.
5 quarterly stakeholders
meetings were conducted.
The
meetings
targeted
 Number of
stakeholders
conducted.
2.1.1.3 Conduct quarterly
Stakeholders meeting.
27 | P a g e
2010
quarterly
meetings
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
approach for dissemination of
HIV/AIDS and SRH information
among youths, 3 youth organisations
namely
WAYO,
CHIYO
and
Chigotayo have managed to reach
out to 497 (227 males and 270
female youths) aged 8 to 25 years.
 During the meetings it was
revealed that peer to peer, group
discussions, pair wise replies were
the main activities that the
facilitators used to reach out the
communities.
 345 youths aged 15 to 25 yrs were
reached with HIV/AIDS and SRH
information.
 There has been a great response
from the youth as regards to the
cards that are used during Auntie
Stella sessions as young people are
very free and open to express their
feelings about HIV/AIDS and SRH
issues. This is due to the way the
cards are suitably designed for
participation from girls and boys
and also the cards stimulates the
curiosity from the boys and girls
because the issues discussed are
realities to problems they face.
 Issues ranging from unprotected
sex and other sexual reproductive
health issues were discussed and
concerns were documented.
5 quarterly stakeholders meetings were
conducted. During these meetings, it
was noted that the relationship
Annual Report
Comments
There is need to continue the
provision of HIV and AIDS
information through Auntie
Stella facilitation sessions so
to enhance and maintain
positive behaviour change
amongst youth.
Enhance
technical
backstopping support to the
Auntie Stella facilitators for
effective implementation of
the activities.
Health
personnel
complained that they rarely
make follow-ups to HIV
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Progress as reporting this
period.
health personnel, functional
groups, religious leaders
and traditional leaders. The
main objective of the
meetings was to monitor the
distribution of condoms and
to enhance the relationship
which is there between the
functional groups and the
health personnel.
Indicators of Results
 Willingness
by
the
stakeholders to attend
such meetings, give
feedback and share
their experiences.
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
between functional groups and health
personnel was enhanced i.e. access to
condoms and other health services
was becoming with less problems
compared to prior of such meetings.
Apart from that, the meetings also
helped the stakeholders to share their
positive and negative experiences on
condom distribution, HIV counselling
and testing, HTC testing kits, general
drug shortage and other sexually
transmitted infections.
During meetings, the stakeholders were
also able to analyse the performance
of the project against targets and they
were able to come up with positive
feedback on the same, which was
encouraging and welcome
Comments
positive living clients due to
lack of funding, as the
government
does
not
provide
such
funds.
Therefore, there is need to
work hand in hand with the
health personnel on issues
around
follow-ups
to
PLWHAs.
Result 2.1.2: Reduced risk of STI infection amongst commercial sex workers and their partners.
2.1.2.1.
Conduct
bimonthly review meetings
for
Commercial
Sex
Workers.
28 | P a g e
5
bi-monthly
review 
meetings were conducted.
The main objective of the
meetings was to review 
Commercial sex workers
activities
and
share
experiences. A total of 30
commercial sex workers 
were targeted from three
groups, namely Tigwirizane,
Tikuliwa and Tisenthenkhalo.
The meetings indicated that
310 (245 females and 65
males) CSW were reached
out
to with HIV/AIDS
information, and out of
2010
Number of bi-monthly
review
meetings
conducted.
Number of CSW workers
reached out to with
HIV/AIDS
and
SRH
information.
Number of condoms
distributed
to
commercial
workers
and their clients.
5 bi-monthly review meetings were
conducted. A total of 30 commercial
sex workers were targeted from three
groups, namely Tigwirizane, Tikuliwa
and Tisenthenkhalo. The meetings
indicated that 310 (245 females and 65
males) CSW were reached out to with
HIV/AIDS information, and out of these
68 were referred for HTC services, 48 for
STI screening and treatment and 27
CSW were referred for ARTs. 11890
condoms (11500 male condoms and
390 female condoms) were distributed
to commercial sex workers and their
clients. Through the review meetings, it
was revealed that the 310 CSWs were
Annual Report
There is need to intensify STI
screening, treatment and
peer education sessions to
most at risk populations
(bars, rest houses and fishing
camps, mines and road
construction sites.
Intensify Commercial Sex
Workers Peer education on
HIV/AIDS and STIs and
condom distribution, during
night outreach activities.
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Progress as reporting this
period.
these 68 were referred for
HTC services, 48 for STI
screening and treatment
and 27 CSW were referred
for ARTs. 11890 condoms
(11500 male condoms and
390 female condoms) were
distributed to commercial
sex workers and their clients.
2.1.2.2.
Conduct
Commercial Sex Workers
night outreach activities.
12 night outreach sessions
were conducted, targeting
3 CSWs Peer Education
groups. The man objective
of
conducting
night
outreach activities was to
increase
awareness
on
HIV/AIDS and STIs among
commercial sex workers
and their clients targeting
bars, bottle stores, and
other high mobile places
e.g. fish camps. During
these
night
outreach
activities, condoms were
distributed to fellow CSWs
and their clients. 4114 male
and 400 females condoms
were also distributed.
4 STI Outreach Screening
and treatment sessions were
conducted. The main aim
of these STI screening and
treatments activities was to
2.1.2.3.
Conduct
STI
screening and treatment
sessions for Commercial
Sex Workers.
29 | P a g e
2010
Indicators of Results






Number night outreach
sessions conducted.
Number
of
people
reached
out
with
HIV/AIDS
and
SRH
information.
Enhanced knowledge
and
skills
in
STI
Management through
awareness activities.
Ability by the CSWs
peer
educators
to
facilitate
peer
education sessions.
4
STI
outreach
screening
and
treatment
sessions
conducted.
57 CSWs reached with
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
reached out with HIV/AIDS and STIs
information and out 310 CSWs, 27 were
referred for ART.
 11500
male
condoms
were
distributed to the Commercial sex
workers and their clients, out of
11500
condoms,
9000
were
distributed to bars/bottle stores and
2500 male condoms in resthouses.
390
female
condoms
were
distributed to 15 commercial sex
workers.
 12 night outreach sessions were
conducted, targeting 3 CSWs Peer
Education groups.
 During
these
night
outreach
activities,
CSWs
managed
to
distribute 4116 males and 400
females condoms while 256 (97
Commercial sex workers and 159
clients) were reached out with
HIV/AIDS and SRH information.
 45 commercial sex workers were
referred for STI screening and
treatment while 20 of the CSWs were
referred for ART during the same
night outreach activities which
shows that there was great change
of behaviour and attitudes amongst
CSWs on HIV/AIDS and SRH issues.
Comments
The
exercise
received
an
overwhelming support from the CSWs
themselves and the owners of bars,
bottle stores and resthouses which
eventually made the exercise achieve
During the same activities, it
was noted that the inflow of
CSWs and their partners was
very encouraging as they
were very open and they
Annual Report
There is a great change in
terms of how the CSWs
understand HIV/AIDS and
SRH issues since there has
been intensive technical
support from project staff on
how
to
conduct
night
outreach
activities
and
facilitate peer education
sessions to fellow CSWs and
their clients.
The level of understanding
amongst Commercial Sex
workers has been greatly
improved compared to the
previous years.
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Progress as reporting this Indicators of Results
period.
sensitize the commercial sex
SRH
and
STI
workers themselves and the
information.
bar
owners
on
the  Reduced %centage of
importance of undergoing
STI
infection
rate
STI screening and treatment
amongst CSWs.
as this was to reduce the  Enhanced knowledge
transmission of STI and HIV
and
Skills
in
STI
cases (infection rate) in the
management by the
area.
CSWs.
 Willingness of CSWs to
attend STI screening
and
treatment
exercises.
2.1.2.4
Source
and
distribute condoms to
targeted groups (CSWs
and youths)
7974
Condoms
were 
distributed both at the
resource centre and during
HIV/AIDS
outreach 
activities.

Number of sourced
and
distributed
condoms.
3
active
condom
outlets established.
Increased
level
of
knowledge
amongst
CSWs to negotiate for
safer sex with clients.
2.1.2.2.
Conduct
quarterly meetings for
Traditional Healers in HIV
4 quarterly meetings for 
traditional healers in HIV
and AIDS and Sexually
20 traditional leaders
attended the quarterly
meetings.
30 | P a g e
2010
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
its objectives. A total of 4 STI Screening
and
treatment
sessions
were
conducted and reached out to 57 (36
female CSWs and 21 male clients).
During these activities, medical experts
from Ministry of Health were hired to
conduct the screening and necessary
treatment to those found with the STIs.
The inflow of the CSWs accessing the
services during such sessions was
encouraging and most of them were
very open with their partners which
shows that there is great improvement
on their level of understanding on the
issues of HIV/AIDS and STI transmission
and treatment.
 7974 condoms were distributed,
Resource centre, distributed 3524
condoms in bars and bottle store,
1450 in rest houses and 3000
condoms were distributed to 3 CSWs
functional groups that were later
distributed to fellow CSWs and their
clients.
 The
captured
figures
didn’t
correspond to the demands for
more condoms, and this was
because even the main supplier
Ministry of Health also experienced
erratic supply of condoms and this
directly or indirectly affected the
performance / results of the project
as targets were not met.
 4 quarterly meetings for traditional
healers in HIV and AIDS and Sexually
transmitted
infections
were
Annual Report
Comments
indicated that when they
access the same services in
public hospitals, they are
mostly castigated by health
personnel and therefore not
feel welcomed whenever
they visit the hospitals.
Therefore, there is need to
intensify such activities so
that more CSWs could
access such services, as it
has been noted that they
feel welcome when these
activities are conducted
during night and within their
reach.
There is need to change the
approach of relying one
supplier, MoH as source of
condoms
as
this
will
negatively impact on the
performance of the project.
Therefore, the project team
should try other sources of
condoms e.g. direct project
support
on
condom
procurement.
The quarterly meetings for
traditional healers, provided
a platform where the health
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
and AIDS & Sexually
transmitted Infections.
Progress as reporting this Indicators of Results
period.
transmitted infections were  4 quarterly meetings
conducted
with
20
were conducted.
traditional healers. The main  Increased knowledge
objective of the quarterly
and skills in HIV and
meetings was to review
AIDS
and
sexually
traditional healers work in
transmitted infections.
terms
of
HIV/AIDS  Enhanced relationship
awareness
and
STIs
between
traditional
treatment and referrals.
healers and health
personnel.
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
conducted with 20 traditional
healers.
 These quarterly meetings with the
traditional healers provided an
opportunity for them to share their
experiences on issues of HIV and
AIDS and STIs.
As a result they
appreciated the risks they and their
clients are exposed to in contracting
HIV and STIs during the process of
administering medicines. During the
same meeting, the traditional
healers revealed that due to
increased level of knowledge on
issues of HIV/AIDS and STIs, they
have now started referring STIs
clients to the hospitals for proper
treatment and HIV counselling and
testing services.
 The relationship between traditional
healers and health personnel was
also greatly enhanced during the
same meetings, as it platform for
the two parties to iron out the
stumbling block which was there
especially on how the clients should
be referred from the traditional
healers to health facilities.
 456 male condoms were distributed
to the clients.
Comments
personnel and the traditional
healers themselves could
share the best practices,
experiences
and
discuss
more on how they could
enhance their relationship
and improve the referral
system so that they refer
clients to other service
providers.
Result 2.1.3: Increased %centage of the youth aged 10-25 and Commercial Sex Workers seeking HIV Counselling and Testing services.
2.1.3.1. Conduct youth
community
Outreach
Campaigns
and
HIV
Testing campaigns.
31 | P a g e
9
youth
outreach
counselling
campaigns
community 
and
HIV
and
testing
were 
2010
9 youth community
outreach campaigns
conducted.
Number
of
people
9 youth community outreach and HIV
counselling and testing campaigns
were
conducted.
The
outreach
campaigns that were conducted
Annual Report
FOCUS
should
continue
conducting these outreach
activities,
as
more
community members access
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Progress as reporting this Indicators of Results
period.
conducted and reached
reached
during
out to 8768 people (3601
outreach campaigns.
females and 5167males).  Increased number of
These Outreach campaigns
youth seeking for HTC
were conducted with an
services.
aim
of
increasing  Increased number of
awareness in HIV testing
condoms distributed.
and HIV/AIDS information in  15
PLWHAs
support
the targeted communities.
groups formed,
During the campaigns 485
people were counselled
and tested for HIV (275
males and 210 females)
while 3026 condoms were
distributed to 158 youths
and 1463 adults.
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
enabled more people to go for HIV
testing and acquire more knowledge
on HIV counselling and testing. As a
result 8768 people were reached out
during the outreach campaigns while
485 people were tested. Out of 485
people who were tested 49 (26 females
and 23 males) tested positive which
represents 9% while 17 (9 females and 8
males) were referred for ARTs.
During these outreach campaigns,
1563 condoms were also distributed to
158 youths (97 males and 61 females)
and 1463 condoms distributed to 140
adults (88 males and 57 females) and
messages on behaviour change and
consistent usage of condoms were also
disseminated through drama, poems,
and traditional dances.
 15 HIV Support Groups have been
formed as a result of massive
outreach
campaigns
in
HIV
Counselling
and
testing
and
effective referral system.
Comments
these activities within their
reach.
It is also encouraging to learn
that 15 PLWHAs Support
groups were established and
more people are joining the
support groups.
Result 2.1.4: Increased knowledge levels on STI, HIV & AIDS and Sexual Reproductive Health amongst the in and out-of-school youths.
2.1.4.1 Resource Centre
based HIV/AIDS, STI and
SRH education activities.
32 | P a g e
The
resource
centre 
provided
the
following
activities,
infotainment,
Library, HIV/AIDS education
through TV and indoor 
games. The centre reached
out to 2648 (1104 male 
youth, 243 female youth
aged 10-25years, 303 male
adults and 221 females
2010
Increased number of
people seeking for
HIV/AIDS
and
SRH
information.
Increased number of
condoms distributed.
Quality
of
services
offered at the resource
centre.
The resource centre
played a
significant role as far as HIV&AIDS and
SRH education is concerned. The
centre provided quality activities that
were educative, informative and
entertaining. 2648 (1104 male youth,
243 female youth aged 10-25years, 303
male adults and 221 females adults
aged 26years and above) were
reached and through the centre, 5000
Annual Report
The activities at resource
centre
need
to
be
strengthened so that the
community
within
the
catchment
can
benefit
meaningfully. There is need
to add some more indoor
games that would attract
more people to patronise
the centre.
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
2.1.4.1 Conduct HIV and
AIDS
Outreach
education, Counselling
and Testing sessions.
Progress as reporting this
period.
adults aged 26years and
above). Apart from the
above recorded people
who directly patronised the
resource centre, the centre
also received a number of
visitors, who among other
things visited the centre for
the
following
reasons;
attending
to
monthly
meetings, trainings, seeking
for
employment
and
reference books.
1698 people were reached
during
HIV
and
AIDS
Outreach
education,
Counselling and Testing
sessions and also recorded
at the resource centre
among those (487 were
females and 1208 were
males). Out of 1698 people
who were counselled and
tested, 102 (55 females
(54%) and 47 males (46%))
tested
positive
which
represents 6% of the total
number counselled and
tested and 34 (19 females
and 15 males) were referred
for ARTs.
Indicators of Results
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
male condoms to 7 functional groups
within the catchment area were
distributed. The centre also recorded
that 2045 people visited the centre,
1058 visited the centre for Library
services, 256 for entertainment, 310 for
HIV/AIDS education and 421 were for
indoor games and other general visits.
 Increased number of
youths demanding for
HCT services.
 Increased
level
of
knowledge and skills on
condom use amongst
out of school youths.
 Number
of
people
referred for ARTs.




33 | P a g e
2010
FOCUS
The number of people turning-up
for HCT services is encouraging.
1698 people were counselled and
tested compared to 593 people
who tested during the same period
in 2009. Out of 1698 people (487
were females and 1208 males).
Out of 1698 people tested, 102
people (55 females and 47 males)
were tested positive and 34 (19
females and 15 males)clients were
referred for ART.
These figures were recorded during
the outreach campaigns where 485
people (275 males and 210
females) were tested and 1210 (936
males and 227 females) were
tested during HTC services that are
being offered at the Resource
Centre.
A total of 18 (17 males and 1
female) were referred for STI
screening and treatment.
Annual Report
Comments
There
has
been
a
tremendous encouragement
in participation in HIV/AIDS
outreach
campaigns.
Therefore, there is need for
intensification
of
such
interventions to reach out to
more
people
in
the
catchment area as it has
been evidenced that 485
people were tested during
the outreach campaigns
compared to 1213 people
tested at the Resource
Centre.
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Progress as reporting this
period.
Indicators of Results
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
Comments
Result 2.1.5: Strengthened FOCUS’s capacity for effective and efficient programme delivery.
2.1.5.1
Conduct
monitoring
and
supervisory
visits
to
functional groups.
4
monitoring
and 
supervisory visits were done.
The activity’s aim was to
monitor
the
project 
activities’
progress
and
inform the project staff on
the progress being made
and
take
appropriate
direction / decisions on
findings of the monitoring 
and supervisory visits.
Improved
service
delivery
amongst
volunteer groups.
Lessons
learnt,
documented
and
shared for use in
programming
at
organisational
and
community level.
Consolidated level of
understanding of the
project
by
all
volunteers.
2.1.5.2 Internship and
general
collaboration
and networking with key
/ Strategic stakeholders.
1 internship was conducted.
During the same reporting
period, several monthly and
quarterly visits were made
by the HIV Counselling and
Testing Supervisor and other
Ministry of Health (MoH)
officials also made similar
visits. The visits aimed at
ensuring HTC services at the
centre are carried out in line
Ability by the attachee
to understand issues of
HIV/AIDS and other
related topics.
Increased knowledge
on HTC procedures
and standards.
Increased
level
of
knowledge and skills to
project personnel.
Enhanced
level
of
34 | P a g e
2010




The project planned to conduct 12
monitoring and supervisory visits in the
reporting period, but only 4 visits were
conducted. The monitoring visits found
out that there were on technical
problems and confusion on who was
supposed to monitor the activities
between the Community Outreach
Coordinator (COC) and the Planning,
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
(PMEO). This caused the communities
where activities were implemented to
feel dejected and because the
monitoring and supervisory activities
were not conducted according to the
plan, the communities were not serious
with the activities. This seriously
reduced
groups’
morale
and
seriousness towards project activities.
During the 4 monitoring and supervisory
visits the project conducted, people
were open and talked about the
successes the project had registered.
The project was privileged to have 1
staff joining on attachment basis from
one of the local colleges where she
was studying Diploma in Community
Development. She worked with the
project team for 3 months and her
dedication
and
innovative
contributions towards the project were
felt and helped to improve in a number
of areas.
During the same reporting period, the
Annual Report
There is need for the Project
Management team to look
into this issue more seriously
and distribute the roles more
clearly to each one of the
project
staffs
who
are
directly involved to the
project
activity
implementation,
so
to
reduce the confusions and
misunderstandings
which
come because of unclear
roles and responsibilities.
Networking
and
collaboration
plays
an
important role when it comes
to
project
activities
implementation because it
helps the stakeholders to
better understand what the
project intends to achieve at
the end of the project.
Therefore, there is need a
continued
effort
in
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Progress as reporting this
period.
with the MoH and World
Health
Organisation
procedures and standards
Indicators of Results
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
networking,
project had routine monthly and
collaboration
and quarterly visitations from the District HIV
understanding
Counselling and Testing Supervisor from
between FOCUS and Karonga District Hospital and Ministry of
key stakeholders.
Health personnel. Their visits were
provided the project staff team with
more information on the new HTC
procedures and standards.
Result 2.1.6: At least 6,150 youths are able to make/making informed lifestyle decisions, including negotiating for safe sex
behaviour (including increased number of youth who are aware of their sero status).
2.1.6.1 Conduct 2 Peer 2 peer educators trainings  50 youths trained in TOT 2 peer educators trainings were
educator’s
training were conducted and 50  2 TOT trainings were conducted and 50 youths were trained
targeting youths
youths were trained as TOT
conducted.
as TOT.
in the first half of the year  %centage of youth The 50 TOTs trained in first half of the
2010 and these 50 trained
demonstrating
good year further trained 1000 fellow youths
TOT further reached out to
knowledge on safer sex in life skills. The trained TOT youths used
1000 fellow youths in life
and
perceptions a three module life skills package
skills. Out of 85% of targeted
towards condom use.
called journey of life, reaching out to
youths, 52% of youths are  Ability
by
the 25 out-of-school youths and 25 indemonstrating
good
community youths to school youths and 18 church based
knowledge on safer sex
demonstrate
good youth clubs. Out of 85% of targeted
practices,
dangers
of
knowledge
in youths,
52%
of
youths
are
indulging in multiple sexual
preventative measures. demonstrating good knowledge on
partners and are able to
safer sex practices, dangers of
consistently and effectively
indulging in multiple sexual partners
use condoms.
and are able to consistently and
effectively use condoms.
2.1.6.2 Develop, produce 215 assorted pieces of IEC  # of IEC Materials 215 assorted pieces of IEC materials
and
Disseminate
IEC materials and one banner
developed.
and one banner on SAVE (on safer
materials to the targeted on SAVE (on safer practices,  Quality of IEC Materials practices, stigma and treatment and
audience.
stigma and treatment and
developed.
VCT) were developed/produced and
VCT)
were
developed/  Ability by the targeted distributed. This is far less than the
produced and distributed.
audience
to expected 2000 pieces of IEC Materials
This is far less than the
understand
the which represent a 10% achievement.
expected 2000 pieces of
developed messages This has been because of late
IEC Materials and this has
in the IEC Materials.
commencement of implementation of
35 | P a g e
2010
Annual Report
Comments
enhancing networking and
collaboration
with
stakeholders.
and adopting health seeking
The activities are continuing
in the 2nd year and more
results are expected to be
accomplished.
The
remaining percentage of
33% to reach the target of
85% is expected to be
accomplished
in
the
remaining 2 years of project
duration.
There is need to work hard in
the 2nd year and 3rd year
respectively
to
achieve
targeted number of IEC
materials that are expected
to be produced if the project
is to achieve its intended
goal.
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Progress as reporting this
period.
been because of late
implementation
of
the
project activities.
Indicators of Results
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
the project activities. Furthermore,
these IEC materials were mainly for the
Faith congregations. Those targeting
the youths were not produced and are
expected to be produced at the
beginning of Year 2 of project
implementation.
Comments
Result 2.1.7: Improved knowledge of the SAVE approach and improved attitudes to HIV, including reduced Stigma , Denial and Discrimination (SDD) amongst 300
Religious Leaders, demonstrated by increased use of non-stigmatizing language by RLs when communicating with their respective faith communities.
2.1.7.1 Conduct Training
on SAVE approach and
reducing Stigma, Denial
and
Discrimination
amongst
Religious
Leaders.
300 Religious Leaders were split into The accomplishment of 98%
three segments (years) to be trained in first year out of the target
(100 leaders per year). The during the of 100% is a major booster for

implementation of the project activities the remaining 2 years of the
in this reporting period, a total of 97 project implementation. The

religious leaders (24 women, 73 men) work is going to be a little
drawn from 65 churches and 2 more
easier
with
the
mosques in year 1 were trained, which establishment
of
the
is
representing
almost
a
98% KANERELA+, which will help
achievement against a target of 100 in mobilising the Religious
religious leaders to be trained in year 1. Leaders in their various

On the same view, a network of communities.
religious leaders affected /infected
with HIV/AIDS called KANERELA+ was
established in the district. The aim of
the network is working to engage more
religious leaders and train them as
change agents against SDD. So far, it
has a membership of 10 and many
have expressed interest to join it.
Result 2.1.8: Improved Knowledge, Attitude and Practices among 12,000 faith congregation members, including increased health seeking behaviour
(including increased number aware of their status) and reduced SDD/ less stigmatizing attitudes shown towards PLWHAs.
2.1.8.1
Conduct 5
awareness
raising  # of people reached 5 awareness raising campaigns were The
Faith
Community
awareness
raising campaigns
were
with different messages conducted. The awareness raising (congregation)have
campaigns
among conducted.
During
the
of hope on HIV/AIDS.
campaigns, targeted the religious demonstrate
a
great
congregation members awareness
raising  # of awareness raising leaders and emphasised on Anti change in the community
36 | P a g e
300 Religious Leaders were
split into three segments
(years) to be trained (100
leaders per year). During
the implementation of the
project activities in this
reporting period, a total of
97 religious leaders (24
women, 73 men) drawn
from 65 churches and 2
mosques in year 1 were
trained,
which
is
representing almost a 98%
achievement against a
target of 100 religious
leaders to be trained in
year 1.
2010

# of religious leaders
trained in SDD and
SAVE approach.
# of training sessions
conducted.
%centage of religious
leaders
who
have
adequate knowledge
on VCT and safer
practices
of
HIV
prevention.
Reduced %centage of
religious leaders and
community members
(youth, women/men)
involved in stigmatising
attitudes.
Annual Report
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
FOCUS
Progress as reporting this Indicators of Results
Overall achievements, changes and Comments
period.
constraints.
on Knowledge, Attitudes campaigns, the religious
sessions conducted.
Stigma, Denial and
Discrimination about how they perceive
and Practices (KAP)
leaders emphasised on Anti  # of people reached messages and they reached out to issues of SDD and multiple
SDD messages and they
with
anti
SDD 3880 people from 25 churches and 2 concurrent partnerships. Their
reached out to 3880 people
messages.
mosques based on messages on the positive change towards
from 25 churches and 2  %
of
targeted following themes:
SDD is a great achievement
mosques
based
on
community and faith • HIV sithemberero (HIV is not a curse of the project.
messages on the following
congregation
from God)
themes:
members are having • Tetezani tsogolo lanu (protect the
• HIV sithemberero (HIV is
good
knowledge
future congregation)
not a curse from God)
about HIV treatment • Sungani lonjezo (keep the promise)
• Tetezani tsogolo lanu
and nutritional foods.
• khazikitsani lamulo pa za EDZI
(protect
the
future
(formulate church HIV policy)
congregation)
During
the
project
activity
• Sungani lonjezo (keep
implementation, it was observed that
the promise)
almost 47% of people who were
• khazikitsani lamulo pa za
reached out with different messages
EDZI (formulate church
demonstrated good knowledge in
HIV policy)
HIV/AIDS treatment and nutrition, safer
The
activities
targeted
sex practices and demonstrating
mostly the Faith Community
positive attitudes towards HIV/AIDS,
(congregation).
which is encouraging.
Result 2.1.9: Improved Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices and increased health seeking behaviour among 6,000 community members (which includes
increased number of people who are aware of their sero status by increasing uptake of VCT) and reduced SDD/ less stigmatizing attitudes shown towards
PLWHAs.
2.1.9.1
Conduct A total of 8 community  8 community outreach A total of 8 community outreach There is need to intensify
Community
outreach awareness
outreach
campaign
meetings campaign meetings were conducted such activities so that more
and stigma reduction campaign meetings were
conducted.
and reaching out to 3148 people women can take advantage
campaigns
targeting conducted and reaching  # of people reached (1125 males and 2023 females). During of making informed decisions
community members.
out to 3148 people. During
with
HIV/AIDS these meetings 11 PLWHAs openly on their sero-status since they
these meetings 11 PLWHAs
information.
declared their status and shared are the ones who are at
openly declared their status  % of targeted groups testimony on positive living. HTC great risk of contracting the
and shared testimony on
(youth,
faith services were also provided during virus compared to males. The
positive living. HTC services
congregation
and these campaigns, and 648 (307 males figures show that, out of 55
were also provided during
community members) and 339 females) tested and out of 648 people who tested HIV+, 45
these campaigns, and 648
undertaking in HTC people who were tested; 55 people were women, which is a
(307
males
and
339
services and know their tested positive (10 males and 45 worrisome situation.
37 | P a g e
2010
Annual Report
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Progress as reporting this
period.
females) tested and out of
648 people who were
tested; 55 people tested
positive (10 males and 45
females).
593
tested
negative (297 males and
296 females) showing an
immediate increase in VCT.
FOCUS
Indicators of Results
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
HIV sero-status.
females). 593 tested negative (297
males and 296 females) showing an
immediate increase in VCT. As above
indicated
statistics
it
is
much
evidenced there was an increase of
women participation in HTC services
compared to male counterparts,
which is positive change in the
community.
Result 2.1.10: Increased uptake of ART, Safe and effective ART; and increased quality of life by support group members.
2.1.10.1 Establishment of
PLWHAs support groups.
20 support groups for 
PLWHA were strengthened
and
established.
Each 
support group is comprised
of 25 members on average
which means that there are
almost 500 members who 
have so far joined support
groups since the projects’
inception.
# of PLWHAs Support
groups established.
%centage of PLWHAs
support
groups
members require and
are accessing ART.
Improved knowledge
and skills in HIV/AIDS
coping strategies.
2.1.10.2.
Conduct
advocacy training to
leaders
in
targeted
groups (support groups,
CBOs, and NGOs)
1 training in advocacy was 
conducted and 29 leaders
(12 men and 17 females) 
from the support groups,
CBOs and NGOs were 
trained in advocacy. They
then led in planning and
conducting of advocacy
meetings
with
the
government,
district
assembly and local leaders,
# of people attending
advocacy training.
# of advocacy trainings
conducted.
% of targeted and
indirectly
targeted
beneficiaries who have
adequate knowledge
and skills in advocacy.
38 | P a g e
2010
20 support groups for PLWHA were
established. Each support group is
comprised of 25 members on average
which means that there are almost 500
members who have so far joined
support groups since the projects’
inception. The project had a target of
85% of direct beneficiaries and 76% of
indirect beneficiaries benefiting from
the activities, but so far the project has
managed to achieve 80% of the
beneficiaries and 67% of indirect
beneficiaries reached out through the
support groups activities.
1 training in advocacy was conducted
and 29 leaders (12 men and 17
females) from the support groups,
CBOs and NGOs were trained in
advocacy. They then led in planning
and
conducting
of
advocacy
meetings with the government, district
assembly and local leaders, seeking to
get more government support to
access quality health services. The
purpose of the meeting was to have a
Annual Report
Comments
There is need to establish
more support groups in the
communities so that more
people can talk about
HIV/AIDS
and
able
to
change
their
mindsets
towards HTC services. This will
eventually enhance their
knowledge and skills sharing
amongst support
groups
members through exchange
visitations.
Advocacy campaigns are
great tools for change in the
community. Therefore, there
is need to intensify such
activities so that many
people can have these vital
skills and can advocate for
issues that affect them in
their various communities.
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
2.1.10.3
Conduct
Advocacy
meetings
with
government
officials and other key
stakeholders.
2.1.10.4
Referrals
/Linkages of clients to
health
centres
by
providing 10 bicycle and
2
motor
cycle
ambulances to health
providers.
39 | P a g e
Progress as reporting this
period.
seeking
to
get
more
government
support
to
access
quality
health
services.
2 advocacy meetings were
conducted with the District
Assembly officials and 1 with
the Secretary to the Office
of
the
President
and
Cabinet responsible for HIV
and Nutrition. As a result of
these
campaigns,
government pledged to roll
out mobile clinics to provide
ART, VCT and treatment of
clients in the rural areas of
the whole district by June
2011 which would give over
70% of HIV+ and pregnant
women in the district more
access to HIV services.
10 bicycle and 2 motor
cycle ambulances were
procured and donated to
health providers, CBOs and
support groups to facilitate
referrals
of
clients
to
medical facilities. So far, 21
clients have been referred
to health centres.
2010
Indicators of Results




#
of
advocacy
meetings conducted.
Willingness
by
government officials to
participate
and
respond to the raised
advocacy issues.
#
of bicycles and
motor cycles procured
and
distributed
to
health providers.
# of referrals made by
community functional
groups in collaboration
with the other health
providers.
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
common understanding with the
opinion leaders at the district level on
issues that affect PLWHAs e.g. access
to ART so that they can assist the
support groups to advocate and lobby
government ministries on the issues.
2 advocacy meetings were conducted
with the District Assembly officials and 1
with the Secretary to the Office of the
President and Cabinet responsible for
HIV and Nutrition. As a result of these
campaigns, government pledged to
roll out mobile clinics to provide ART,
VCT and treatment of clients in the
rural areas of the whole district by June
2011 which would give over 70% of
HIV+ and pregnant women in the
district more access to HIV services.
Comments
10 bicycle and 2 motor cycle
ambulances were procured and
donated to health providers, CBOs and
support groups to facilitate referrals of
clients to medical facilities. So far, 21
clients have been referred to health
centres which indicated that a
functional
referral
system
was
established and is functioning. The
project and the Ministry of Health and
community groups are coordinating
well since the establishment of such
referrals.
The referral and linkage
system which is in place is an
indication that FOCUS is not
working in isolation, but
HIV/AIDS fight needs a
collective effort.
Annual Report
The government pledge to
roll out the mobile clinics to
provide
ART
and
HTC
services is recommendable
since there are so many
people in the communities
who are HIV+, but can’t
afford transportation costs to
access ARTs and other HTC
services because of long
distances to such services.
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
FOCUS
Activity
Progress as reporting this Indicators of Results
Overall achievements, changes and Comments
period.
constraints.
Result 2.1.11: Improved understanding of treatment care and support needs of PLWHAs among spouses/partners/close family members of PWHIV, leading to
greater uptake of HIV related services by PWHIV and the partners/ close family members
1. Conduct training in 256 PLWHAs were trained in  # of PLWHAs trained in 256 PLWHAs were trained in effective The trainings have shown
effective
treatment, effective
effective
treatment, treatment, nutrition and use of herbal positive
results,
because
treatment,
nutrition and use of nutrition and use of herbal
nutrition and use of medicines to boost immunity. 20 herbal partners are now willing to
herbal medicines.
herbal medicines.
talk about HIV/AIDS in open
medicines
to
boost
gardens were also established currently
 # of training sessions
and their negative attitudes
immunity. 20 herbal gardens
benefiting about 500 PLWHAs.
conducted.
towards PLWHAs are now
were
also
established  Increased number of
changing sharply. More of
The 25 support group leaders who were
currently benefiting about
support
group
such activities will help more
trained in the first half of the year as
members and their
PLWHAs to declare their HIV
500 PLWHAs.
treatment literacy. TOTs further trained
partners or close family
sero-status
therefore
187 PLWHA(112 females and 75 males).
members willing to
breaking
the
syndrome
The 25 support group
50 Family members/spouses to PLWHA
attend the sessions.
silence.
leaders who were trained in
on treatment, adherence to treatment,
the first half of the year as
nutrition, care and support. They
treatment literacy.
TOTs
facilitated a total of 25 monthly
meetings with the PLWHA and close
further
trained
187
family members.
PLWHA(112 females and 75
males).
2. Conduct Bi-weekly
women’s corner activities
40 | P a g e
This activity was shifted to 
Year 2 due to logistical
problems. It was agreed
that it should take place 
immediately
after
harvesting because that is
when enough food is
available. This will give the
25 support group members
enough
time
to
continuously
being
together,
prepare
and
share food.
2010
# of bi-weekly women’s
corner
activities
conducted.
# of women attending
the sessions.
The activity didn’t take place since
there was a problem with logistical
arrangements and the activity has
been shifted to yr 2.
Annual Report
The activity is expected to
be implemented in yr2.
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
FOCUS
Activity
Progress as reporting this Indicators of Results
Overall achievements, changes and
period.
constraints.
Result 2.1.12: Improved income of target households; access to, and utilization of, food among target households.
Conduct
Farm
field
classes to PLWHAs, and
other
community
members.
22 Farm field classes were
held
on
the
22
demonstration plots which
were set in the first half of
year 1. A total of 300
PLWHAs,
150
women
headed households, 50
child headed holds and
100 males participated in
the training by the end of
year 1.
Procure and distribute
farm input to PLWHAs
and
other
targeted
community members.




# of farm field classes
conducted.
# of direct and indirect
beneficiaries reached
out
with
the
information.
# of demonstration
plots mounted.
Increased %centage of
the
targeted
households
have
enough food.
22 Farm field classes were held on the
22 demonstration plots which were set
in the first half of year 1. A total of 300
PLWHAs,
150
women
headed
households,
50
child
headed
households
and
100
males
participated in the training by the end
of year 1. 500 PLWHAs, child headed
households and women received
some starter-up support of farm inputs,
comprised of seed and fertilizer 1015
seedlings, 60 bags of fertilizer were also
distributed to the households and
individuals. The provision of these farm
inputs has tremendously improved the
yields especially to those who
benefited from the project, this was
revealed
by
the
beneficiaries
themselves that they had surplus
harvest.
500 PLWHA, child headed households
and women received some starter
support of inputs, comprised of seed
and fertilizer 1015 seedlings, 60 bags of
fertilizer were distributed to the
households
and
individuals.
This
actually boosted the welfare of the
PLWHAs and other vulnerable groups.
Comments
The farm field classes helped
the beneficiaries to have
acquire more information on
the
new
agricultural
technology. The appreciate
were willing to adopt the
new
agricultural
technologies.
500 PLWHA, child headed  # of direct and indirect
There is need to intensify in
households and women
beneficiaries targeted.
such activities so that lives of
received
some
starter  # of PLHWAs and other
vulnerable
groups
e.g.
support of inputs, comprised
vulnerable
groups
PLWHAs can be improved.
of seed and fertilizer 1015
reached out.
seedlings,
60
bags
of  Quantity and quality of
fertilizer were distributed to
farm inputs procured
the
households
and
and distributed to the
individuals.
targeted beneficiaries.
Result 2.1.13 : Increased knowledge of the SAVE approach, PLWHIV rights and gender issues amongst at least 600 support group & 3,600 local community
members.
1. Conduct Training of 1 Training of Trainers on  # of TOTs trained on 1 Training of Trainers on advocacy, The
targeted
functional
Trainers
(TOT)
on advocacy, PLWHA rights,
advocacy,
PLWHAs PLWHA rights, gender and the SAVE groups (PLWHAs Support
advocacy, PLWHA rights, gender and the SAVE
rights, gender and the approach was conducted, involving 40 groups)
were
able
to
41 | P a g e
2010
Annual Report
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
gender and the SAVE
approach.
2. To facilitate 3 TOTs
citizen led advocacy
meetings
involving
PLWHAs, youths, religious
leaders and women with
the District Assembly
and also the central
government.
42 | P a g e
Progress as reporting this Indicators of Results
period.
approach was conducted,
SAVE approach.
involving 40 PLWHA (26  #
of
TOT
training
females and 14 males). The
sessions conducted.
trained TOT further carried  # of people reached
out advocacy campaigns
out by TOTs
in 65 congregations on the  Increased knowledge
rights of women/girls and
and skills gained on
PLWHAs.
173
people
advocacy,
SAVE
attended.
approach,
PLHWAs
rights and gender.
 Ability by the trained
TOT to hold sessions on
advocacy,
PLWHAs
rights,
gender
and
SAVE approach.
The TOTs facilitated 3 citizen
led advocacy meetings
involving PLWHA, youths,
religious
leaders
and
women with the District
Assembly and also the
central government. The
purpose
was
of
the
meetings was to promote
citizenry rights, lobby for
improved access to HIV
related services and to
promote
the
SAVE
approach to HIV/AIDS fight.
As a result of these
advocacy
meetings,
government has pledged to
roll out mobile HIV clinics
(offering VCT, ART and other
2010




#
of
advocacy
meetings conducted.
# of people willing and
attending
the
advocacy meetings.
Increased visibility of
SAVE approach at
district and national
level.
Increased knowledge
on SAVE approach by
different stakeholders
and are able to adopt
it.
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
PLWHAs (26 females and 14 males). The
trained TOTs further carried out
advocacy
campaigns
in
65
congregations on the rights of
women/girls and PLWHAs. 173 people
attended. The project had a target of
85% of targeted support group
members, their spouses and family
members recognise and practise their
rights to access and utilise HIV
prevention, treatment and support
services (VCT, Condoms and ART) and
90% of those also have adequate
knowledge of SAVE approach and
PLWHAs rights, so far the project has
achieved an average of 69.5% on both
indicators.
The TOTs facilitated 3 citizen led
advocacy meetings involving PLWHA,
youths, religious leaders and women
with the District Assembly and also the
central government. The purpose was
of the meetings was to promote
citizenry rights, lobby for improved
access to HIV related services and to
promote the SAVE approach to
HIV/AIDS fight. As a result of these
advocacy meetings, government has
pledged to roll out mobile HIV clinics
(offering
VCT,
ART
and
other
treatment) in the whole district by June
this year (2011) and also to support
SAVE approach as it was a more
comprehensive approach than ABC.
Annual Report
Comments
advocate with the District
Assembly
on
issues
of
treatment, nutrition, care
and support for the PLWHAs
in the district and other issues
that affect their daily lives.
The organisation applauds
the functional groups for
starting the advocacy at
high note. This is a welcome
development.
The
increased
use
of
messaging consistent with
the SAVE approach at the
district level will help it to be
recognised at national level.
And will eventually will lead
to
stigmatising
attitudes
among local leaders, people
within working places and in
various communities.
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
3.
Produce
and
distribute IEC materials
with SAVE approach
messages.
4.
Conduct
Project
Launch
meeting
to
create
awareness
towards less stigmatising
attitudes among local
leaders,
and
local
leaders
active
in
promoting
and
protecting PWHIV and
gender rights
43 | P a g e
Progress as reporting this Indicators of Results
period.
treatment) in the whole
district by June this year
(2011) and also to support
SAVE approach as it was a
more
comprehensive
approach than ABC.
Following consultations with  # of IEC Materials
the District Assembly, District
developed
and
Health Office, NGOs and
distributed
to
the
CBOs; 215 IEC materials
targeted audience.
consistent
with
SAVE  #
of
consultation
approach and local needs
meetings conducted
were designed, produced
with District Assembly,
and distributed. This figure
DHO, NGOs and CBOs.
was arrived at because the  %centage of people
amount of money that was
who
are
talking,
available was not enough
appreciate
and are
for
planning
meetings,
able to adopt SAVE
procurement,
production
approach.
and distribution for year 1.
1 project launch meeting 
was conducted. Prior to the 
Launch, 9 road shows were
conducted in all strategic
areas within our catchment
area and one on the actual 
day
of
the
launch.
Approximately, a total of
16750 people attended and
heard SAVE messages. 40%
2010
# of project launches.
# of people who
attended the road
shows
and
actual
project launch.
Issues discussed during
the project
launch
which
includes
popularising
SAVE
approach at national
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
Comments
So far the project has managed to
produce and distribute 215 IEC
materials
consistent
with
SAVE
approach and local needs. This was
done following consultations with the
District Assembly, District Health Office,
NGOs and CBOs. This figure was arrived
at because the amount of money that
was available was not enough for
planning meetings,
procurement,
production and distribution. Therefore
there is need to increase the
production in year 2. So far the project
has achieved a 20% visibility of SAVE
approach at district and national level
from 0% during the baseline survey. This
20% visibility of SAVE approach has
been achieved through carrying out of
news articles in Newspapers and radio
stations.
1 project launch meeting was
conducted. Prior to the Launch, 9 road
shows were conducted in all strategic
areas within our catchment area and
one on the actual day of the launch.
Approximately, a total of 16750 people
attended and heard SAVE messages.
40% of them were women, 35% were
youths (22% girls). During the EHL
Project launch a deliberate interface
There is need to design and
produce more IEC materials
that have messages of SAVE
approach so that the masses
can be well informed about
the concept. A 20% visibility
of SAVE approach at the
national
level
is
an
achievement which should
be
applauded
and
encouraged.
Annual Report
FOCUS
should
continue
striving to popularize the
SAVE approach until it is
adopted at national level.
Therefore, it should work
hand in hand with all the
media houses be electronic
or print to popularize the
SAVE approach, as this will
ensure that the information is
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Progress as reporting this Indicators of Results
period.
of them were women, 35%
level.
were youths (22% girls).
Apart from that, during the
EHL
Project
launch
a
deliberate
interface
interaction between the
DC, DHO, Senior Traditional
Authority
Karonga
and
PLWHAs, women and girls
where they had to respond
to the concerns of the
community in terms of ART,
women and girls rights. The
STA Karonga publicly urged
his
subjects
to
stop
discriminating PLWHAs while
the DHO promised to roll out
ART services to all rural
centres by June.
Result 2.1.14: Increased visibility of the SAVE approach at national level
1.Facilitate
2
consultations with the
National
AIDS
Commission (NAC).
44 | P a g e
2 Consultations meetings 
with the National AIDS
Commission (Mzuzu Offices) 
were conducted and they
were oriented on the
concept of SAVE and how it 
is being used in Karonga. It
was also during one of the
stakeholders
consultation
meeting in Mzuzu, where
the
SAVE
Approach
presentation was shared
amongst most of the NGOs,
Faith Based organisations
and other institutions.
2010
#
of
consultation
meetings conducted.
Increased visibility of
the SAVE approach at
national level.
Increased knowledge
on SAVE approach by
government and other
key stakeholders.
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
interaction between the DC, DHO,
Senior Traditional Authority Karonga
and PLWHAs, women and girls where
they had to respond to the concerns of
the community in terms of ART, women
and girls rights.
The STA Karonga
publicly urged his subjects to stop
discriminating PLWHAs while the DHO
promised to roll out ART services to all
rural centres by June. Present during
the project was the Secretary to the
Office of President, responsible for HIV
and Nutrition, Dr. Mary Shawa,
government
officials
and
other
dignitaries.
Comments
2 Consultations meetings with the
National AIDS Commission (Mzuzu
Offices) were conducted and they
were oriented on the concept of SAVE
and how it is being used in Karonga. It
was also during one of the stakeholders
consultation meeting in Mzuzu, the
SAVE Approach presentation was
shared amongst most of the NGOs,
Faith Based organisations and other
institutions. The meeting was organised
by National AIDS Commission.
There should a continued
effort on consultations with
National AIDS Commission
and the office of President
and Cabinet through the
Secretary
of
HIV
and
Nutrition so that visibility of
SAVE approach can be
adopted at national level.
Information dissemination on
the
same
should
be
intensified.
Annual Report
reaching the masses in rural
and urban places.
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Progress as reporting this
period.
Indicators of Results
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
Comments
Outcome 2.2: Reduced HIV transmission among high risk and vulnerable groups of youths, boys and girls aged 15-25 years, in priority prevention areas in
Karonga District..
Result 2.2.1: To increase knowledge and risk perception on HIV/AIDS and STIs for safer sex practices among the youths (boys and girls).
2.2.1.1. Conduct Hope kit
training session to 24
Hope Kit facilitators.
2.2.1.2 Conduct Hope kit
sessions
by
trained
facilitators in targeted
areas on HIV/AIDS and
STIs.
45 | P a g e
2 training sessions were
separately done due to the
nature of interventions. The
participants were drawn
from 2 BVCs and 2 Schools.
These places remain the
strategic areas that we
were working in with support
from
Pact
Malawi
Community REACH project.
The training comprised of
both boys and girls. (13 boys
and 11 girls) making a total
of 24 participants.

Hope Kit sessions were
included in the developed
plans. They targeted the
youths aged 15 to 25 years
and they were following the
set minimum standards and
in small group sessions
which calls for a maximum
of 25 individuals per session.
During the project period,
about 32 hope kit sessions
were conducted by 24
Hope kit facilitators in their

2010





#
of
hope
kit
facilitators trained.
#
of
trainings
conducted.
Increased knowledge,
skills
and
risk
perception on HIV
and AIDS and STIs
among youths aged
15-25years.
Ability by the trained
facilitators to facilitate
one on one and
group HIV and AIDS
peer
education
sessions.
# of hope kit sessions
conducted by hope
kit facilitators.
Increased knowledge,
skills
and
risk
perception on HIV
and AIDS and STIs
among youths aged
15-25years.
Ability by the trained
facilitators to facilitate
one on one and
group HIV and AIDS
2 training sessions were separately
done
due
to
the
nature
of
interventions. The participants were
drawn from 2 BVCs and 2 Schools. 24
hope kit facilitators were trained (13
boys and 11 girls)
The training was designed to equip the
participants with knowledge and skills
to help them effectively facilitate Hope
Kit activities in HIV prevention work. The
desired and expected outputs after
the training included knowledge and
skills gain in facilitating Hope kit and its
related concepts that would help
individual participants and their target
groups through the journey of hope
activities in their respective schools and
organizations’
Hope Kit sessions were included in the
developed plans. They targeted the
youths aged 15 to 25 years and they
were following the set minimum
standards and in small group sessions
which calls for a maximum of 25
individuals per session.
During the project period, about 32
hope kit sessions were organised by 24
Hope
kit
facilitators
in
their
communities.
Annual Report
The training sessions of the
Hope kit facilitators went on
well and all the planned
objectives of the activity
were achieved.
There is need to encourage
Hope Kit
facilitators
to
conduct more sessions so
that they reach out to more
people with HIV and AIDS
and STI information. And
apart from that, there is
need to strengthen their
capacity of capturing data
on monthly basis.
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
2.2.1.3 Conduct Hope Kit
Facilitators
Monthly
Meetings
2.2.1.4 Conduct football
and netball for Hope for
the youth in fishing
camps
and
mining
camps (HIV/AIDS, STIs
and
SRH
information
dissemination).
46 | P a g e
Progress as reporting this
period.
communities.
Indicators of Results
The ultimate purpose of
these meetings were to
reflect on what they had
done as Hope kit facilitators,
document lessons learnt
and
challenges
encountered, solutions to
the identified challenges
and also plan for the next
month. 2 monthly meetings
were conducted, since the
project implementation was
only for 3 months (August –
October, 2010). A total of 24
(13 boys and 11 girls) hope
kit facilitators attended the
meeting.

Using sports in fight against
HIV/AIDS was one of the
innovative ways of reaching
out to other youths because
on its own sports build a
strong
team
spirit,
confidence, self-esteem. 8
balls, (4 netballs and 4
footballs) were procured
and each group was given
2 balls.

2010





peer
education
sessions..
# of monthly meetings
conducted.
24 Hope Kit facilitators
attended
the
meetings.
Lessons learnt and
experience
shared
and documented.
1 football and netball
trophy conducted.
# of youths aged 1525 years reached out
with HIV and AIDS and
STIs information during
football trophy.
Lessons learnt and
experience
shared
and documented.
Increased knowledge
and skills in HIV and
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
Comments
The ultimate purpose of these meetings
were to reflect on what they had done
as Hope kit facilitators, document
lessons
learnt
and
challenges
encountered, solutions to the identified
challenges and also plan for the next
month. 2 monthly meetings were
conducted,
since
the
project
implementation was only for 3 months
(August – October, 2010). A total of 24
(13 boys and 11 girls) hope kit
facilitators attended the meeting.
During the meeting, it was also
encouraging to hear that the activities
had changed some of the Hope Kit
facilitators
themselves
from
the
behaviour
of
having
multiple
concurrent partnerships, because they
were challenged and faced resistance
from the community since their
behaviours were far from being role
models and exemplary.
Using sports in fight against HIV/AIDS
was one of the innovative ways of
reaching out to other youths because
on its own sports build a strong team
spirit, confidence, self-esteem. 8 balls,
(4 netballs and 4 footballs) were
procured and each group was given 2
balls. The activity reached out to 6256
people (3715 males and 2541 females).
There is need to intensify
conducting
monthly
meetings,
since
these
meetings provide platform
for the hope kit facilitators to
discuss and share their
experiences and challenges.
Learning from the past, there
is need for the hope kit
facilitators to enhance their
skills in data capturing and
reporting.
During the football and netball games,
Hope kit facilitators were able to
Annual Report
More attended the sports
activities and many also
were also reached HIV/AIDS
and STIs information. It was
very also encouraging to find
that the facilitators were
perfectly displaying good
behaviours during the sports
activity which shows that
there has been a great
transformation taking place
in themselves which
will
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Progress as reporting this
period.
Indicators of Results

2.2.1.4
Establish
condom outlets.
6
2.2.1.5
Source
and
distribute condoms both
male and female in all
condom service outlets:
47 | P a g e
The trained Out-of-School
youth were dealing with
interventions beyond A/B. In
view of that, the project
was designed in addition to
establish
6
functional
condom Outlets composed
of
2
youth
based
community condom outlets.
The project managed to
source 200 female and 1440
male condoms and most of
them were distributed to the
youth aged 15-25 years.

2500
male
and
1445
females condoms were
sourced and distributed in
all 6 condom outlets. The
main
purpose
of

2010


AIDS
and
STIs
information.
Ability by the trained
facilitators to facilitate
one on one and
group HIV and AIDS
peer
education
sessions during the
football trophy.
# of condom outlets
established.
#
of
condoms
sourced
and
distributed.
# of youths aged 1525 years accessing
condoms..
#
of
sourced
distributed.
condoms
and
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
display Hope kit activities before the
games and also continued doing that
as one of their game rules. The activity
took place at Kaporo Primary ground
between Chipamila and Kaporo
(Football and netball) teams.
Comments
The trained Out-of-School youth were
dealing with interventions beyond A/B.
In view of that, the project was
designed in addition to establish 6
functional condom Outlets composed
of 2 youth based community condom
outlets. In view of this, the project
managed to source 200 female and
1440 male condoms and most of them
were distributed to the to the youth
aged 15-25 years. During the monthly
visit, It was learnt that the youths use
the
condoms
for
HIV/STI
and
pregnancy prevention and this was
establish through the feedback as well
as statistics from reports. This was
achieve because the facilitators were
doing the whole process of condom
demonstration before they give out
condoms to the fellow youth to make
sure that condom is being used
consistently and perfectly.
2500 male and 1445 females condoms
were sourced and distributed in all 6
condom outlets. The main purpose of
implementing this activity was to
address the gap that was identified
There
was
an
erratic
condom supply at the District
Hospital hence affected the
implementation
of
the
activity because the sourced
condoms got finished within
one week after distribution in
the outlets.
Annual Report
eventually help the village
get transformed.
The problem of condom
scarcity, somehow stalled
the implementation of the
project activities since there
was a high demand of
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Progress as reporting this
period.
implementing this activity
was to address the gap that
was identified during the
implementation
of
the
REACH project.
Indicators of Results
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
during the implementation of the
REACH project. The sourced condoms
were from the District Hospital,
although they also had erratic supply
of condoms.
2.2.1.6 Refer clients to
other service providers
Comments
condoms amongst the outof-school youths. Therefore,
there is need to intensify
sourcing of condoms so that
the accessibility of condoms
amongst the youths should
not be a problem.
The activity had some
challenges, since there was
no
enough
time
for
implementation because the
project was for the duration
of 3 months.
The trained youth were  Enhanced stakeholders’ The trained youth were linked to other
linked to other service
networking
and service providers so as to be known
providers so as to be known
collaboration in fight and refer the youth if there is a need as
and refer their fellow youths
against HIV/AIDS.
one way of strengthening the provision
if there is a need as one
of range services. However, this was
way of strengthening the
not fully done because of time and
provision of range services.
since the stakeholders only met once,
The activity purportedly
it was somehow bit challenging to
wanted to strengthened the
come up with a clear referral system.
networking
and
collaboration in the fight
against HIV/AIDS.
Result 2.2.2: Enhance stakeholders’ networking and collaboration for greater accessibility of services to high risk and vulnerable groups.
2.2.2.1.
Conduct
1
stakeholders’ meetings
48 | P a g e
1 Stakeholders’ meeting
was
conducted.
The
objective meeting was to
enhance networking and
collaboration for greater
accessibility of services to
high risk and vulnerable
groups. During the meeting
stakeholders were briefed
on the background of the
project allowing them to
have the insight of what is
happening.
2010



#
of
stakeholders
meetings conducted.
Clear referral system
developed.
Enhanced
stakeholders’
networking
and
collaboration in fight
against HIV/AIDS.
1
Stakeholders’
meeting
was
conducted. The objective meeting was
to
enhance
networking
and
collaboration for greater accessibility
of services to high risk and vulnerable
groups
The meeting drew together different
stakeholders; some were from the
District Hospital Karonga, District Youth
Officer, Health Centres personnel,
School committee, Head teachers,
club
patrons,
fisheries,
youth
organizations and the PEA of schools
Annual Report
The
willingness
of
the
stakeholders to support the
projects’
activities
was
encouraging and gives the
project
team
an
overwhelming interest to
forge ahead with activities
for the project to achieve its
goal and objectives.
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Progress as reporting this
period.
Indicators of Results
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
Comments
The aim of the activity was at
enhancing
the
effectiveness
of
programme delivery in attaining the
agreed indicators and at the same
time, as one way of effecting the
project Monitoring and Evaluation
system for the Hope kit facilitators.
Apart from this, these visits were giving
a back stopping technical support to
the trained Hope kit facilitators and it
also enabled the project teams to
build on the lessons learnt and
document results that contribute to the
achievement of the project goal.
During the visits, it observed that most
of the Hope kit facilitators were able to
facilitate Hope Kit sessions to their
fellow youths and were in line with
data
capturing
and
reporting
requirements.
The meeting was organized to facilitate
and prepare the Hope Kit Facilitators to
start understanding the importance of
following the recommended data
collection tools, reporting process and
indicators in the proposal. The meetings
also provided the platform to check
and review project progress and
deviations for re-planning. During the
meeting, 24 Hope kit facilitators
attended the meeting.
There is good sharing of
experiences,
skills
and
knowledge among trained
and non-trained youths and
other community members in
the communities..
Result 2.3: Enhance monitoring activities for efficient and effective service delivery.
2.3.1. Conduct follow up
visits
to
Hope
kit
facilitators
This activity aimed at 
enhancing
the
effectiveness of programme
delivery in attaining the 
agreed indicators and at
the same time, as one way
of effecting the project
Monitoring and Evaluation
system for the Hope kit
facilitators.
Enhanced
project
activities and flow of
project information.
Lessons
learnt,
documented
and
shared for use in
programming
at
community, district and
national level among
stakeholders.
2.3.2. Orientate Hope kit
facilitators in Monitoring
and Evaluation
The activity was organized
to assist the Hope kit
Facilitators in understanding
the need of monitoring and
why data need to be
reported and kept. The
meeting was also organized
to facilitate and prepare
the Hope Kit Facilitators to
start
understanding
the
importance of following the
recommended
data
collection tools, reporting
process and indicators in
# of hope kit facilitators
oriented in monitoring
and Evaluation.
#
of
orientation
meetings conducted.
Enhanced
project
activities and flow of
project
information
amongst
Hope
kit
facilitators.
Increased knowledge
and skills gained in
monitoring
and
evaluation systems.
49 | P a g e
2010




At the end of the meeting, the Hope kit
Facilitators
showed
a
great
Annual Report
There is good sharing of
experiences,
skills
and
knowledge among Hope kit
facilitators and also the
project team has been very
proactive to assist the hope
facilitators with the technical
support in designing activity
implementation plans and
monitoring of the activities..
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
2.3.3. Hold data review
meetings
Progress as reporting this Indicators of Results
period.
the proposal. 24 Hope kit  Lessons
learnt,
facilitators attended the
documented
and
meeting.
shared for use in
programming
at
community
and
organisation level.
1 Data review meeting was  # of data review
conducted. The aim of
meetings conducted.
activity to look at the  Improved
planning
proposal documents, check
and report writing skills.
whether
the
proposed  Quality of data and
indicators and targets were
reports produced
met. The activity involved
the PACT Malawi officials
and the FOCUS project
team.
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
understanding on the need of
monitoring the activities and why data
which has been captured need to be
recorded, reported and kept
1
Data
review
meeting
was
conducted. The aim of activity to look
at the proposal documents, check
whether the proposed indicators and
targets were met. The activity involved
the PACT Malawi officials and the
FOCUS project team. During the
meeting, the project team expressed
gratitude and promised to use the
skills and knowledge gained during the
meeting to be put into practice.
Strategic Objective 3: To equip communities with requisite skills in lobbying and advocating for issues related to HIV/AIDS.
Comments
There is need to intensify
these
meetings because
they are assisting in proper
management
of
project
activities,
implementation
and
monitoring
and
evaluation of activities.
Outcome 3.1: An empowered community that is able to prevent HIV infection and mitigate AIDS impact.
Result 1.1: Build community capacity to prevent HIV/AIDS infection and mitigate its impact
Conduct Home Based
Care
education
orientation
to
HBCC
committees.
50 | P a g e
1
Home
based
care
education
orientation
meeting was conducted to
23 people (10 female and
13 males) and after the
orientation
the
trained
home based care givers
reached out to ( 89 men
and 126 women). The main
aim of the orientation was
to equip members of the
HBCC /CBO committee
members with pre-requisite
skills and knowledge in
2010





#
of
participants
targeted.
#
of
orientation
meetings conducted.
# of people reached
out by the trained
home based care
givers.
Increased knowledge
and skills in home
based
care
education.
Ability by home based
care
givers
to
1 Home based care education
orientation meeting was conducted to
23 people (10 female and 13 males)
and after the orientation the trained
home based care givers reached out
to ( 89 men and 126 women). The main
aim of the orientation was to equip
members
of
the
HBCC
/CBO
committee members with pre-requisite
skills and knowledge in conducting
home based care activities to the
clients.
Annual Report
More is needed to be done
on HBC activities, as it was
learnt during the orientation
sessions that most people did
not know more about Home
Based Care concept and
the
general
participants
views perceived that HBC
was deemed to be the
women’s work and not men.
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Construct 1 Namasalima
CBO HIV/AIDS Resource
Centre.
Result 1.2:
Progress as reporting this
period.
conducting home based
care activities to the clients.
Indicators of Results
1 CBO HIV/AIDS Resource
Centre was constructed.
The Resource Centre is
housing:
Voluntary
and
counselling rooms, CBO
offices
and
an
entertainment hall.


demonstrate
the
knowledge and skills
gained.
# of office blocks
constructed.
Willingness
by
the
community
to
participate
in
construction activities
of the resource centre.
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
Comments
1 CBO HIV/AIDS Resource Centre was
constructed. The Resource Centre is
housing the following: Voluntary and
counselling rooms, CBO offices and an
entertainment hall. The office block
was constructed to build competence
in the community for them to continue
carrying out activities after the project
has phased out. This has really
materialised
as
the
community
members are able to appreciate the
development that has taken place in
their area in the course of constructing
the CBO HIV/AIDS Resource Centre.
The community was fully
involved in the construction
work, which made a great
impact and change to the
community.
Increased knowledge on HIV/AIDS and sexual reproductive health among men, women, boys and girls
Conduct
HIV/AIDS
education
campaigns
targeting youths and
business
community
(women and men).
51 | P a g e
3
HIV/AIDS
education
outreach campaigns were
conducted and reached
out to 875 [327 youth
fishermen and 548 business
people, and the activities
were mainly targeting youth
‘fishermen and the business
community
(men
and
women).
2010



# of people reached
out to.
#
of
outreach
campaigns
conducted.
Knowledge
gained
during the outreach
activities.
3
HIV/AIDS
education
outreach
campaigns were conducted and
reached out to 875 people [327 youth
fishermen and 548 business people),
the activities were mainly targeting
youth fishermen and the business
community (men and women). During
the outreach campaigns it was noted
that most people had misconceptions
about condoms i.e. use of two or more
condoms at once can prevent the
infection and also on the rate of
Annual Report
There is need for more
HIV/AIDS
awareness
campaign meetings that
could provide room for more
interaction about HIV/AIDS
topic and also mobilisation
of small functional groups
that could be trained in
HIV/AIDS
information
dissemination so that they
could reach out to many
people in the area. But also
there is need to involve other
stakeholders in the same
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Conduct conjugal rights
education campaign
targeting married
couples.
Progress as reporting this
period.
1 conjugal rights education
campaign was conducted
and reached out to 121
married people (43 men
and 78 women).
The main aim of conducting
this activity was create
awareness and importance
of conjugal rights amongst
community
members
especially married couples.
Indicators of Results
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
excitement during sex intercourse
when using condom is reduced.
 # of people reached
 #
of
sessions
conducted
 Knowledge gained on
the conjugal rights for
married couples.
1 conjugal rights education campaign
was conducted and reached out to
121 married people (43 men and 78
women).
The
activity
created
awareness
amongst
community
members on the conjugal rights
amongst the married couples. The
sessions reached out to 121 married
people (43 men and 78 women).
During the meeting sessions it was
learnt that some traditional customs
influence the rate of HIV infections
amongst married couples e.g. only a
husband can demand sex but not wife
because if a women demands sex, she
is deemed to be prostitute; a thing that
lead to women having multiple sexual
partners. It was also noted that there
was low participation of men than
women, only 43 men were present
against 78 women verses the total
village family population 364 families.
Comments
field so that there should be
a coordinated effort in the
fight against HIV/AIDS.
There is need to intensify
such activities so that more
married couples can be
reached out with similar
sessions.
Result 2: An empowered community that promotes positive cultural values, attitudes and practices that is ensuring gender equality between men and women
for HIV Prevention.
Conduct
Men
As 22 monthly meetings were  22 monthly meetings  126 (46 females and 80 males) Monthly meetings discussion
Partners, Spouses to the conducted. These meetings
conducted.
Change Agents were targeted. The act as monitoring tool where
Traditional
Leaders, were conducted to the  126 change agents
main purpose of conducting these reports are given concerning
Community Aunties and targeted groups through
attended
the
monthly meetings was to share and what had happened.
In
52 | P a g e
2010
Annual Report
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Bicycle Taxi operators
monthly meetings.
Progress as reporting this
period.
focus group discussions. 126
(46 females and 80 males)
participants attended the
meetings.
Indicators of Results


Conduct 6 sensitisation
awareness
campaign
meetings on HIV/AIDS,
Gender and Culture.
53 | P a g e
6 sensitisation awareness
campaign meetings on
HIV/AIDS,
Gender
and
Culture were conducted in
GVH Mwahimba and GVH
2010


meetings.
Enhanced M&E skills
and
knowledge
amongst the Change
Agents (data quality).
Enhanced
project
activities and flow of
project information.
Number of people
reached
out
with
HIV/AIDS, Gender and
culture information.
6
sensitisation
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
get feedback from the Change
Agents on what was planned to be
done against what was achieved.
During these monthly meetings, it was
observed that most Change Agents
were able to capture the required
data and produce reports with
minimal errors, which was contributed
to
intensive
monthly
follow-up
meetings.
 The meetings also provided forums
where issues that would affect the
effective implementation of the
project activities were discussed.
Apart from that, the meetings also
provided an opportunity where
misconceptions on HIV/AIDS, Gender
and culture were clarified and
understood. Participants expressed
satisfaction with the meetings since
they were very open to discuss issues
affecting their daily life in their
communities.
 29% out of the 134 trained Change
agents are able to write and present
the planned activities, hold HIV/AIDS
counselling sessions and distribute
condoms
on
monthly
basis
compared to the same period
previous
year,
which
is
very
encouraging.
80% of the community members who
attended the awareness campaign
meetings which were conducted
through
community
dialogues,
traditional dances (Ndolo, samba and
Annual Report
Comments
these meetings the change
agents
attend
to
give
feedback on what they had
planned to do and achieved
or not achieved. Therefore,
there is need to intensify such
activities so that programme
staffs can be informed on
the progress made and
make informed decisions on
the direction of the project,.
The outreach sensitisation
meetings are meant to act
as community mobilisation
strategy and communication
channel
through
which
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Conduct
orientation
meeting for the role of
Community Aunties on
HIV/AIDS, Gender and
culture
in
the
communities.
Conduct
1
Action
Research Assessment.
54 | P a g e
Progress as reporting this
period.
Mbemba
for
Men
As
Partners
(MAP),
Market
Square and Songwe Border
for Bicycle Taxi Operators,
Kayerekera
and
GVH
Mwangulukulu for Spouses
to Traditional leaders.
Indicators of Results

1 orientation meeting for 
the Community Aunties in
GVH
Mwakaboko
was 
conducted. The purpose of
meeting was to create
awareness on the project of 
USICA
for
them
to
understand its activities and
also knowing their role to
play in the project. The
meeting was conducted to
the target group using
Focus Group Discussions
and reached out to 10
women
(Community
Aunties).
1
Action
Research
Assessment meeting was
conducted to FOCUS staff,
MAP, Bicycle Taxi Operators
and
Spouses
to
the
2010
meetings on HIV/AIDS,
Gender and Culture
conducted.
Number of community
members
able
to
differentiate between
harmful
and
nonharmful
cultural
practices.
1 orientation session
conducted.
10 Community Aunties
attended
the
orientation meeting.
Increased
level
of
knowledge on gender,
culture and HIV/AIDS
issues.
 1
Action
Research
Assessment conducted.
 35 people attended
the
orientation
meeting.
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
Malipenga), poems and songs that
address issues of culture, gender and
HIV/AIDS appreciated the activities
and the information shared through
such meetings and urged the project
staff to conduct more. 2267 (713 men,
604 women, 410 boys and 540 girls)
were reached out. During these
meetings,
information
regarding
culture, gender and HIV/AIDS was
discussed and chiefs were part of the
occasions
and
demonstrated
willingness that these types of activities
should be intensified.
1
orientation
meeting
for
the
Community
Aunties
in
GVH
Mwakaboko was conducted and 10
Community Aunties benefited from the
orientation meeting which highlighted
issues of gender, HIV/AIDS and culture.
Those who attended the meeting
expressed willingness and appreciated
the concept of USICA project and
pledged their support towards the
project activities.
The involvement of Community Aunties
to be Change Agents in the project
was to act as a bridge to help
influence girls in making informed
choices.
1 Action Research Assessment meeting
was conducted to FOCUS staff, MAP,
Bicycle Taxi Operators and Spouses to
the Traditional leaders. The Action
Research Assessment meeting was
Annual Report
Comments
information basing on the
theme is delivered and
shared
to
the
target
beneficiaries and audiences.
The information collected
during
such
interaction
meetings with Community
Aunties help to strategies
and come up with new plans
related to issues faced in the
communities
on
the
implementation
of
the
project activities.
The
Action
Research
Assessment meeting helped
to gather more information
on the project that would
help
in
building
new
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Progress as reporting this
period.
Traditional
leaders.
35
people (8 FOCUS staff 5
men, 3 females) 27 change
agents (10 MAP, 12 Spouses
to the traditional leaders
and
5
bicycle
taxi
operators) attended the
meeting.
Indicators of Results
Conduct
Reflective
Learning Exchange visit
by MAP and Spouses to
the Traditional leaders.
2
reflective
learning
exchange
visits
were
conducted to MAP and
Spouse
to
Traditional
Leaders
in
GVH
Mwakaboko
and
GVH
Mwenechilanga respectively.
The
exchange
visits
targeted 59 Change agents
(26 women and 33 men).
 Number of exchange
visits conducted by
MAP and Spouses.
 59
change
agents
participated during the
exchange visits.
 Ability
by
change
agents to share the
knowledge and skills
gained
during
the
exchange visits.
Conduct
Training
of
Traditional Leaders on
their role on HIV/AIDS,
Culture
and
Gender
issues.
1 training on HIV/AIDS,
Culture and gender was
conducted to Traditional
Leaders and 20 participants
attended the meeting. The
training drew participants
from
6
Group
Village
 1
training
was
conducted.
 20 traditional leaders
attended the training.
 Knowledge
and
information
gained
among the Traditional
55 | P a g e
2010
 Knowledge and skills
gained
amongst
FOCUS
staff
and
Change
Agents
through
Action
Research
Assessment
meeting.
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
conducted to 35 people (8 FOCUS staff
5 men, 3 females) 27 change agents
(10 MAP, 12 Spouses to the traditional
leaders and 5 bicycle taxi operators)
attended the meeting. The purpose of
the meeting was to find out whether
the tools developed were being used
and also see if it was useful to the
project. It also wanted to know how
many people were being reached
using the developed tools.
Reflective
Exchange
visits
were
purposely meant to strengthen the
groups. During these visits the change
agents had the opportunity to learn
from their counter parts on how best
they organize themselves. It was also a
motivating factor to both the groups to
increase their interest and the
enthusiasm, at the same time to help
them replicate what their friends are
doing into their own areas.
During
these 2 exchange visits, 59 (26 women
and 33 men) Change Agents were
targeted
from
Mbemba
and
Mwahimba who went to visit MAP of
GVH Mwandambo in Ngana, and
Spouses from Mwahimba visited the
spouses of GVH Mwenechilanga.
The training was organized with the
view that these Traditional leaders
should provide support to the selected
Change agents that are within their
jurisdiction. This can only be effective if
the Chiefs themselves have adequate
information on Culture, HIV/AIDS and
Annual Report
Comments
strategies and create more
interventions.
Both the MAP and Spouses
to the Traditional leaders
appreciated the idea of
sharing information amongst
the groups through such
Exchange visits because the
visits act as mentorship
programmes where each
group learn from what their
counterparts do and plan
their
activities
which
eventually leads in improving
and making progress on their
work.
The
involvement
of
traditional leaders in the
project is key to any
performance made as they
hold the key responsibility to
development of their areas.
At least all the invited
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Conduct
a
Quiz
competition on Life Skills
in primary schools within
T/A Kalonga.
Progress as reporting this
period.
Headmen
of
Mwenechilanga,
Mwangulukulu,
Mwandambo, Mwahimba,
Mwakaboko and Mbemba
of T/A Kalonga and T/A
Mwakoboko respectively.
Indicators of Results
3 sessions on life skills quiz
competition
were
conducted to 6 primary
schools within T/A Kalonga.
30 (22 males and 8 females)
contestants (5) from each
school
(Lulindo, Lusako,
Malungo,
Kasoba
and
Bwiba
primary
schools)
participated.

leaders on issues of
HIV/AIDS, culture and
gender.
 Ability by traditional
leaders to influence
change as decision
makers.




Provision
of
school
necessities to vulnerable
56 | P a g e
4 vulnerable girls were
supported
with
school
2010

3 life skills sessions
conducted.
6 school clubs were
formed.
Increased knowledge
and skills gained on
Life
Skills
amongst
targeted pupils from
primary school.
Ability by pupils to
demonstrate the skills
and
knowledge
gained in life skills.
Level of support by
patrons
/matrons
towards the initiatives.
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
Gender. 95% of Traditional Leaders
showed a kind of willingness and
commitment to support the activities
carried out by MAP and Spouses
(Behe). 20 traditional leaders were
invited and attended the training. At
the end of the meeting, the traditional
leaders expressed satisfaction with the
training and the information which they
were given and pledged their total
support towards the project activities.
3 sessions on life skills quiz competition
were conducted to 6 primary schools
within T/A Kalonga. 30 (22 males and 8
females) contestants (5) from each
school (Lulindo, Lusako, Malungo,
Kasoba and Bwiba primary schools)
participated.
The quiz was conducted in order to
assess the level of knowledge on Life
Skills amongst the pupils in primary
schools. 30 pupils were trained and
equipped with the right information
and skills on life skills. The quiz
competitions provided the pupils with
required knowledge and skills, looking
at the 6 school clubs that were formed,
life skills sessions conducted to fellow
pupils, debates and quiz competitions
conducted. All the 6 participated
schools, showed their willingness to
strengthen and continue with life skills
activities within their schools.
4 girls supported with The support provided to these girls will
school necessities.
help and motivate them to fully
Annual Report
Comments
traditional leaders desired
and
appreciated
the
concept of USICA project
and the comments which
they were giving showed the
zeal and willingness to
support
the
project’s
activities carried out by MAP
and Spouses to Traditional
Leaders.
Although pupils were able to
respond, but it was observed
that English communication
was a barrier to most of the
contesters, therefore, there is
need
to
intensify
such
activities as all contested
schools expressed the need
for such type of activities to
be conducted on a regular
basis and that it should be
extended to other schools.
The girls acknowledged and
appreciated the support
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
girls.
Conduct
1
Annual
Review
Meeting
at
community level.
Production of a Video
Documentary
Case
Study clip.
57 | P a g e
Progress as reporting this
period.
necessities from Kabele and
Iponga schools. They were
supported
with
school
shoes, notebooks, pens and
uniforms. The aim of this
activity was to motivate the
girls
to
fully
engage
themselves
in
school
activities and achieve their
goals in life.
1 Annual Review meeting
was conducted and 27 (21
men
and
6
women)
participants attended the
review
meeting
at
community level in GVH
Mbemba.
The
main
objective of the review
meeting was assess issues
pertaining to the progress of
the project highlights which
would help to shape or
improve
the
activity
implementation.
1 video documentary clip
case study on the project
activities was produced
and
shared
with
stakeholders.
The
video
documentary case study
clip was produced basing
on
the
evidence
the
community members had
experienced during the
2010
Indicators of Results

Ability by girls to utilise
the support rendered
to them.

1
Annual
Review
Meeting conducted.
27
people
participated
during
the review meeting.
Enhanced knowledge
and experiences on
project activities.
Feedback information
on
the
project
gathered and shared






1 Case study video
documentary
produced and shared.
Feedback
on
the
documentary.
Information captured
and shared on issues
of culture, gender and
HIV/AIDS.
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
engage themselves in school activities.
This was evidenced as both teachers
and girls themselves expressed their
thanks towards the support given to
the girls. 4 vulnerable girls were
identified and given the support.
Comments
1 Annual Review meeting was
conducted and 27 (21 men and 6
women) participants attended the
review meeting at community level in
GVH Mbemba. A SWOT analysis was
used as a tool in order to assess the
knowledge and the progress made by
Change Agents which showed a great
improvement
in
their
levels
of
knowledge and skills on issues of
culture, gender and HIV/AIDS. During
the meeting MAP and Spouses to
Traditional Leaders presented their
progress reports basing on what they
had planned and using the developed
Action Research Tools.
1 video documentary clip case study
on the project activities was produced
and shared amongst stakeholders. The
video documentary case study clip
was produced basing on the evidence
the
community
members
had
experienced
during
the
implementation of the activities and
the change that have seen in their
community. It is evidenced in the video
The review drew participants
as
planned,
the
stakeholders,
chiefs,
community
women
and
men, youth and the Change
Agents.
It
was
well
participated
and
the
participants appreciated the
project initiatives.
Annual Report
received and expressed that
continuous support of this
kind can motivate more girls
to continue with education.
There
is
need
intensify
production of such case
study documentaries, so that
information and experiences
can be shared in digital form
in order to ease access of
such important information
with stakeholders.
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Progress as reporting this
period.
implementation
of
the
activities and the change
that have seen in their
communities.
FOCUS
Indicators of Results
Overall achievements, changes and Comments
constraints.
clip that project activities have really
helped the community members to
have more knowledge on the issues of
HIV/AIDS, Gender and culture through
their eloquence in articulating issues
concerning HIV/AIDS, Gender and
culture.
Conduct Monitoring and 6 monitoring visits were  6 monitoring visits were 6 monitoring visits were conducted. Frequent of such visits can
Evaluation activities.
conducted.
These
visits
conducted
These visits were conducted in GVH help in the smooth running of
were conducted in GVH  %centage
of Mwahimba, Mbemba, Mwakaboko, the project activities, as the
Mwahimba,
Mbemba,
community
members Mwenechilanga, Mwandambo. The findings
will inform
the
Mwakaboko,
able to articulate issues visits established an increased level of project staff on the new
Mwenechilanga,
on culture, gender and knowledge on issues of culture, gender trends in the community.
Mwandambo
and
HIV/AIDS.
and HIV/AIDS by the community Therefore, there is need to
Mwangulukulu
of
T/A
members as a success. At least 75% of conduct
these
activities
Kalonga and Mwakoboko
the
community
members
knew continuously for the success
respectively.
something about what the change of the project.
agents were doing in their communities
which was encouraging and one of
the success stories. Apart from that, the
willingness by the community members
and traditional leaders to support the
projects’ initiatives was a plus in
achieving the projects goal and
objectives.
Strategic Objective 4: To improved households’ food security and access to income amongst 7,400 households in Karonga and Chitipa Districts by 2015.
Specific objectives 4.1: To increase and diversify food production and availability among 7400 households in Karonga and Chitipa districts by 2015.
Result 4.1.1: Increased and sustained household crop diversification and yields among 7,400 households.
1. Facilitate formation of
70
village
seed
committees and train
them in leadership and
seed revolving scheme.
58 | P a g e
FOCUS
conducted
community
planning
process in 3 EPAs of Mpata
in Karonga and Lufita and
Mwamukumbwa in Chitipa
where selection of Village
2010
 # of seed committees
formed.
 # of seed committees
trained and actively
functioning
 Ability
by
the
27 Village Development Committees
(Seed Committees)were established in
3 EPAs, 14 Development Committees
(seed committees) in Lufita EPA under
Ibanda
section,
8
development
committees (seed committees) in
Annual Report
It was pleasing to note that
the communities were eager
and willing to participate
and adopt the technologies,
which
was
very
encouraging.
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
2. Conduct training of
Village seed committees.
59 | P a g e
Progress as reporting this
period.
Development Committees
was conducted. 27 VDCs
(Seed Committees) were
established in 3 EPAs. During
the process it was noted
that all the tasks and roles of
establishment of village
seed banks will be laid in
the
hands
of
VDCs
therefore it was difficult for
FOCUS to create parallel
structure sorely looking on
seed multiplication.
Indicators of Results
The training targeted the
Village
development
Committees
and
the
training focused in the
following areas; community
seed bank management,
leadership
skills
and
HIV/AIDS
and
Gender
education. A total of 27
Development Committees
from the 27 villages, were
trained in all the three EPAs.
These
trainings
were
facilitated by the AEDOs
and
AEDCs
in
the
respective EPAs.
 # of trained Village
seed committees and
practising sustainable
farming methods.
 #
of
trainings
conducted
 #
of
sustainable
agriculture
technologies adopted.
 Increased knowledge
in
HIV/AIDS
and
gender.
2010
community to adopt
new
introduced
agricultural
technologies.
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
Mwamkumbwa EPA under Kasisi
section
and
5
development
committees (seed committees) in
Mpata EPA under Kasoba section.
Each committee established a village
communal garden and were given 10
kg of MZ 309 maize OPV seed variety
and 1 bag of NPK and 1 bag UREA
fertilizers. It was expected that upon
proper production of seeds, the village
was required to pay back to the EPA
after harvesting 20 kg of similar seed to
be given to the next village
beneficiaries in the upcoming growing
season because the process is on the
pass on system. Soya beans seed was
also procured and given to village
under Lifita EPA for a similar purpose of
multiplication and pass on to other
villages after harvesting.
A total of 27 Development Committees
from the 27 villages, were trained in all
the three EPAs. These trainings were
facilitated by the AEDOs and AEDCs in
the respective EPAs. The training
focused on the following areas;
community seed bank management,
leadership skills and HIV/AIDS and
Gender education. After being trained,
it was agreed with the VDCs
[participants) that priority will be given
to VDCs that will show interest to
cultivate and plant. This was to make
sure that the VDCs take the initiative
more seriously and at the end achieve
the desired project goals.
Annual Report
Comments
The attendance of the
members
from
these
committees was rated very
good and impressive. There
was
an
expression
of
appreciation and assurance
that the knowledge gained
shall be put into practice by
the
participants
which
reaffirms the sustainability of
the projects’ initiatives.
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Progress as reporting this
period.
Indicators of Results
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
3. Procure and distribute
composite seeds and
drought tolerant crops.
Comments
The project procured 350 kg  # of farmers benefiting The project procured 350 kg of ZM 309 Farmers hailed the initiative
of ZM 309 OPV maize seed
from the project.
OPV maize seed variety which was and revealed that this will
variety
which
was  Quantity and quality of distributed to all the 27 development assist them to alleviate which
distributed to all the 27
seed procured and committees for multiplication and has
been
a
persistent
development committees
distributed
to establishment of village seed banks. In problem of lacking seeds
for
multiplication
and
community by type:
addition to this 70 bags of fertilisers during the growing season.
establishment of village  Seed crop yield (kg/ha) were procured and distributed to the Apart from that, it was said
seed banks. In addition to
by crop
27 committees plus 4 CBOs and 3 EPAs. that in the long term it will
this 70 bags of fertilisers  Rate of seed recovery Apart from that, 200 kgs of soya beans also contribute to having
were
procured
and
by type.
were also procured and distributed to enough
food
for
distributed
to
the
27
14 Villages, 1 CBO, 1 Lufita EPA office consumption and surplus for
committees plus 4 CBOs
and 1 Meru Agriculture Research sale at household level.
and 3 EPAs.
centre in Lufita EPA in Chitipa. Soya
Apart from that, 200 kgs of
beans was distributed in Lufita EPA only
soya beans were also
because the farmers were almost
procured and distributed to
ready in their gardens and also the
14 Villages, 1 CBO, 1 Lufita
office (FOCUS) managed to procure
EPA office and 1 Meru
few seeds which were not enough for
Agriculture Research centre
the all EPAs.
in Lufita EPA in Chitipa.
Specific Objective 4.2: To increase awareness on Gender, HIV and AIDS and capacity to prevent and cope with impacts in the targeted communities by
the end of 2015.
Result 4.2.1: Increased income comprehensive knowledge and access to HIV and AIDS preventive services including HTC among targeted households
(community), [men, women, girls and boys].
1. Establish 2 HTC/PMTCT Establishment
of
2  # of HTC centres There were plans to establish 2 There is hope that the
centres .
HTC/PMTCT centres and
established
and HTC/PMTCT centres and procure HCT activity
will
be
done
procurement
of
HCT
properly furnished.
materials, but this was not done according to the plan
materials was planned to  List of HTC materials because FOCUS officials were still because
of
there
is
be done in this report
procured.
discussing with Chitipa District AIDS willingness from District AIDS
period, but this was not
coordinator, on the possibilities of coordinator
to
provide
done
because
FOCUS
opening and strengthening some of trained
personnel
once
officials were still discussing
everything
is
finalised.
the already existing HIV Testing centres.
with Chitipa District AIDS
But the discussions were on the
coordinator,
on
the
advanced stage and the District AIDS
60 | P a g e
2010
Annual Report
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
Overall achievements, changes and Comments
constraints.
Coordinator promised to provide
trained personnel in the sites once all
logistical arrangements are finalised in
the project.
Specific Objective 4.3: . To strengthen the capacity of local governance structures (ADC{4}, VDCs{12}, CBOs{12} Committees / clubs / cooperatives /
associations {80}), partner institutions for them to engage, plan and effectively manage development initiatives by the end of 2015
Result 4.3.1: Increased capacity of institutions and local governance structures to manage their own development initiatives in line with decentralisation
system.
1. Facilitate participatory Community
development  #
of
people The aim of the process was to lead the Communities were willing to
right
based situation planning meetings were
participating
during communities into developing village participate and adopt the
analysis at 70 villages, 12 conducted in all the 5
village meetings.
action plans / development strategies developed Village Plans /
VDCs, and 4 ADCs levels
villages in Mpata EPA in  # of villages and and prioritized trainings that will help Strategies
as
they
felt
Karonga, 14 villages at
committees involved in them to deliver, monitor and evaluate ownership of the documents.
Lufita EPA and 8 villages at
participatory
right development services. A total of 27
Mwamkumbwa
EPA
in
based situation analysis village
Community
Development
Chitipa. A total of 27 village  # of issues identified to meetings were conducted in 27
Community Development
be addressed
villages. In all the 27 villages they
meetings were conducted  #
of
community managed
to
develop
village
in 27 villages. In all the 27
structures developing development
plans
and
select
villages they managed to
strategies to deliver, development committees responsible
develop
village
monitor and evaluate for all developmental issues within the
development plans and
services
village set-up. During the selection
select
development  #
of
community process of development committees a
committees responsible for
structures
able
to deliberate gender session was shared
all developmental issues
define
livelihood to reminder them the importance of
within the village set-up.
indicators
each
individual
contributions
in
development work at all levels.
2.
Support
24 During this reporting period  # of District civil society During this reporting period under this FOCUS
should
continue
networking and result under this result area, the
network
meetings result area, the project managed to considering such activities as
sharing
meetings
for project managed to render
supported
render support DEC on a World Food of great importance to the
District CSO and DEC
support DEC on a World  # of DEC meetings Commemoration
Day
held
at organisation, as they act as
Food Commemoration Day
supported
Lupembe in October 2010. FOCUS the tool for advocacy at
held
at
Lupembe
in  # of people attending supported the organisers with 15 crates district and national level
October 2010. This followed
the meetings
of soft drinks and 80 printed T- Shirts since Media coverage at
a request for support from  # of issues discussed with the message “ United against such
events
is
always
61 | P a g e
Progress as reporting this
period.
possibilities of opening and
strengthening some of the
already existing HIV Testing
centres.
2010
Indicators of Results
FOCUS
Annual Report
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
Activity
62 | P a g e
Progress as reporting this
period.
all
government
departments and NGOs in
order to make the event
successfully done. FOCUS
supported the organisers
with 15 crates of soft drinks
and 80 printed T- Shirts with
the message “ United
against Hunger”.
2010
Indicators of Results
during the meetings
FOCUS
Overall achievements, changes and
constraints.
Hunger”.
FOCUS
also
had
an
opportunity to mount a pavilion on
nutrition and medicinal herbs for
PLWHAs and Chronically Ill patients on
Home Based Care (HBC). The event
was
organised
by
the
District
Agriculture Development Office.
Annual Report
Comments
available.
2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
FOCUS
9.0 Programme Results
9.1.0. Programme Activity Implementation (Analysis of project activities)
Objective 1:
To improve nutrition and the economic status of vulnerable households as well as sanitation
generally in communities in Karonga, Chitipa and Zomba Districts.
Outcome 1.1: Improved quality life of the HIV/AIDS infected and affected people in Karonga District.
Result 1:
Increased community capacity to manage and cope with negative impact of HIV/AIDS and
other ailments through community awareness, civic education, home-based care, orphan
care and prevention measures.
Activities
1.1 Community HIV/AIDS education for behaviour change through HIV Counselling and Testing and
community outreach campaigns.
In the bridging period two outreach activities were carried out and reached out to 42 people. At
Ndembwera school a total of 26 people (8 females and 18 males) were counselled and tested. In a similar
exercise at Kasimba 16 people (5 females and 11 males)were as well assisted. This gives in a total of 42
people (13 females and 29 males) benefiting from the testing exercise.
2.1.3 Group therapy activities for PLWHAs support groups
This activity’s main objective was to discuss on the issues that
PLWHAs discuss and share their experiences. These activities
occurred concurrently in different CBOS namely Katolola,
Mlare and Lupembe.
The training’s main aim was to bring
awareness on how PLWHA can involve themselves in a support
group.
During these sessions the following expectations were a waited
to be realized as activity outputs.
 Understand usage and importance of medicinal
plants found in the community
 Understand concepts of home remedies
 Have knowledge on herbal, pregnancy and ART
 Understand concept of group therapy activities
2.1.3.1 Group therapy
In the reporting period three group therapy meetings were conducted
in the three support groups. These were some of the issues and
successes that were captured during the meeting discussion.
1. Many people are complaining of itching legs and arms.
2. Some females in the groups used to experience of
smelling of vaginal fluids and vaginal itching.
3. Distance from the district hospital it’s about 25 km from
Lupembe to the District Hospital and Mlare which leads
to many members to walk for ART treatment.
4. Family divorce: other members are being divorced by their
husbands because of their HIV+ sero-status disclosure.
5. Stigma and discrimination still there among the community.
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FOCUS
2.1.3.2 Herbal
In such sessions the element of herbal medicinal was also factored in as part of the process. The following
were highlighted on herbal medicinal:
 Mode of preparation and dosages /application
 Misconceptions about herbal medicinal.
 To know some of the medicinal plants that cannot be taken by a person who is on ART and
pregnant.
These sessions were two folds in terms of delivery in order to ensure clear uptake of knowledge and skills:
 Theoretical on group therapy
 Practical and participation
Meeting with people living with HIV/AIDS
Support group
Sex
F
M
Total
Lupembe
21
9
30
Mlare
Total
18
39
11
20
29
59
Result 2:
Improved nutritional status of PLWHA and chronically ill through improved diets and feeding
regimes.
Activities
2.1 Community Nutrition and Natural Medicine Education.
The nutrition trainings were conducted in three days each. The participants were drawn from GVH Katolola,
Mwakabanga and Kayuni all from T/A Kyungu where FOCUS is implementing “Lupembe HIV/AIDS and rural
Livelihood Improvement Project” funded by FAIR Malawi. The goal of the training was to develop and
strengthen participants’ knowledge, altitudes and skills in nutrition and herbal medicinal utilisation and
storage.
The trainings took place at three different CBOs; Lupembe (Chiwondo), Kwiyula [Katolola] Mlare (Mlare
Clinic) and this activity was one of the activities that were being implemented in the project. The trainings
were facilitated by Community Nutrition Facilitators and Ruth Chaula (FOCUS - PLS Coordinator) and
identification of participants was done through Village AIDS Committees.
During these trainings invited participants expressed their appreciation and gratitude towards the organiser
(FOCUS), for organising such an important training. The mentioned that as beneficiaries, they learned so
many things that would help improve their health status. 94 people participated during the trainings and out
94 people, 28 were females which represents 30% of women representation.
The following were the objectives of the training: Explain the relationship between nutrition and HIV/AIDS
 Describe the benefits of adequate nutrition for people living with HIV/AIDS
 Mention how many times a patient should eat e.g. 5 times.
 How to follow recommended practices for improving nutritional status.
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2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT



FOCUS
The benefits of good nutrition for PLWHAs and families caring for HIV/AIDS clients.
Create an awareness amongst PLWHAs and community members to better understand the concept
of nutrition and its importance in their various communities.
How PLWHAs can cope up with the complications of HIV/AIDS e.g.
• Diarrhoea
• Lack of appetite
 Food safety and hygiene e.g.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Personal hygiene
• Sores are painful on the mouth when
• Storage of drinking water
eating
• Hygiene in the kitchen
• Changes in the taste of foods
• Cooking and storage of food
• Colds, coughs and influenza
• Meat, poultry and fish
• Fever
Nutrition education theory
Participants listening attentively during Nutrition education practical
Some of the foods prepared during the practical demonstration
The following were some of the foods that were prepared during the nutritional practical and these were
locally founds foods:• Rice
• Mbalagha with meat and beans.
• Nsima
• Ngata with beans, meat, green
• Pigeon peas(Mbange)
vegetable, maize, tomato, garlic
•
Chisale
and ginger
• Meat
• Egg plants with eggs
• Sweet potato leaves (Bwaka)
• Thobwa
Attendance List:
Name
of Number
of Sex
CBO
people
attended
Female Male
Katolola
30
25
5
Lupembe
35
23
12
Mlare
29
18
11
TOTAL
94
66
28
Fig: Chart showing the trend of women participation during the nutrition training
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2010
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2010 ANNUAL ORGANISATION REPORT
FOCUS
2.2.Procurement and Distribution of Vegetable seeds.
The organization procured 300 packets of rape and Chinese (Mpilu) vegetable seeds with an aim of
improving nutrition status of PLWHAs and chronically ill patients on HBC. It was reported that most PLWHAs
were able to contribute these vegetables during their weekly group therapy meetings in their respective
support groups of Mlare, Lupembe and Twiyure. This was evidenced by confessions by PLWHAs and
chronically patients guardians on what these vegetable seeds which were distributed helped them to boost
their economic and health status in their various communities. The targeted households also urged the
organisation (FOCUS) to continue with the activities so that many beneficiaries can benefit from the project
and help them cope with the complications that come with HIV and AIDS, since their nutritional status will be
improved. The distribution list was as follows:
NO
1.
NAME OF CBO
Mlare CBO
SUPPORT GROUP CLIENTS
50packets
HBC CLIENTS
50 packets
2.
3.
Lupembe CBO
Twiyure CBO
50packets
50packets
50packets
50packets
2.2.1. Meeting with nutrition facilitators
Community nutrition and natural herbal medicinal education is becoming the centre of the project
especially in the Support Groups. During these sessions, members of Support Groups both men and women ,
guardians of chronically ill patients , chronically ill patients, agricultural extension workers , CBO and VPC
members and FOCUS staff participated. A total of two meetings were held. Various food preparation
methodologies were practically shared in accordance with the six food groups. This takes into consideration
of the local available nutritious foods. It was reported and shared during the meeting that food preparation;
food storage; food safety and personal hygiene are the paramount areas of focus when conducting
nutrition education sessions. Members shared that from the work they do has contributed to the improved
well being of PLWHAs and chronically ill patients since their levels of knowledge and skills on nutritional issues
were discussed and improved their level of understanding.
It was also agreed during the meeting that community nutrition facilitators should be exchanging places of
operation so that experiences, new trends can be observed. This enhanced openness and sharing of
facilitation skills by facilitators; and level of knowledge on issues of HIV/AIDs and nutrition by participants also
increased tremendously. During the meetings (12) trained community nutrition facilitators attended the
meetings.
2.3 Project Review and Monitoring
During the end of the project bridging
phase the project conducted an
annual review exercise. This meeting
brought
together
CBO
representatives, members of HIV
support groups, chronically ill patients
and guardians, agricultural extension
workers (Crops and Livestock), Village
Headmen, Group Village Headmen,
Village
Development
Committee
representatives, Area Development
Committee representative (Lupembe
and Mbande ADCs) and FOCUS staff.
The meeting mainly focused on the effectiveness of the strategies used, changes realised in the target
groups, project gaps and challenges. Participants appreciated the livelihood approach targeting PLWHAs
66 | P a g e
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FOCUS
and households with chronically ill patients. Traditional leaders were able to mention specific individuals in
their communities how they have improved from their beds of sickness to farming due to attending of HIV
support groups activities. They further said the project provides total HIV/AIDS support from HIV/AIDS
prevention messages, HIV testing, caring for the sick with nutrition and herbal education and supporting
them with sustainable agricultural technologies and farm inputs. Community leaders also testified on how
the project has helped targeted individuals in their communities, as the project apart from the mentioned
initiatives, also involves the community leaders and targeted beneficiaries to equip them with knowledge
and skills on issues of HIV/AIDS and sustainable livelihood which bridges the information gap, of which they
said it is commendable and expressed their willingness and commitment to support such project’s initiatives.
Result 3:
Increased vulnerable households’ access to basic needs as a result of increased income from
livestock.
Activities
3.1 Households with chronically ill and PLWAs engaged in livestock prouduction.
Insert: Mr. P. Zgambo of Lupembe HIV/AIDS Support Group during the poultry distribution
In the just ending project period the project bought 200
chickens which were distributed to three HIV support
groups of Twiyure, Lupembe and Mlare 70, 65 and 65
respectively. These chickens are also expected to be on
the pass system too. The beneficiaries are expected to
pay back eggs or chicks to the secondary beneficiary.
During the bridging period 20 goats were also procured
and distributed to 20 households (10 household received
a goat at Mlare, 5 households received a goat for both in
Lupembe and Twiyure). In a related development after a
proper negation and approval from FAIR Malawi on the
moneys meant for the Nutrition Officer who resigned part
of these resources were also used to top up the
procurement of additional goats for pass on. 27 goats
were procured and distributed to clients in the three CBOs as follows; Mlare 9 goats, Lupembe 9 goats and
Twiyure 9 goats as well. It was during the
procurement of these goats where at least
3 he goats were procured for reproduction
purposes of serving the clients on goat pass
on around the CBO catchment area.
The project also supported the procurement
of 105 pigs shared as follows: 30 pigs for 30
households in Mlare, 40 households
received a pig each for Lupembe and 35
households received a pig each for Twiyure.
All these livestocks have been given on
pass-on system and these clients are
treated as first beneficiaries because they
have not benefited from the first currently ,
circulating livestock procured in the last
year’s project period.
Fig, showing # of poultry and livestock procured and distributed.
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FOCUS
3.2 Community Mobilisation
Community members during Community Mobilisation and consultation meetings in Karonga and Chitipa.
The project was also privileged to carry out a community consultation exercise in the newly proposed
project extension sites. The proposed sites include: in Mpata EPA Kasoba section; in Lufita EPA, Lufita section
and in Mwamkumbwa EPA in Kasisi section. A total of three (3) EPAs were mobilised for the extension of the
project in Karonga and Chitipa Districts.
The initial arrangement was to consult all the villages the project is to be extended to inorder to have the
same base and understanding of the issues but due to inadequate resources, the exercise did not reach out
to other sections within the EPAs. The team managed to mobilise 23 villages in the 3 EPAs out of 308 villages.
The data sourced during this exercise was also used for the development of FAIR/SHA/FOCUS – Comic Relief.
The process ended at development of village development action plans which were rated to be very good
for both community members and any extension workers. The exercise seeks community members to start
demanding services they need from various service providers in the District and beyond. It was however
noted that there is really need for the lives of vulnerable groups to be improved by the people themselves
with facilitation from extension workers like FOCUS.
Outcome 1.2. Improved quality life of Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Group Village Headman Mbemba
in Karonga District.
Result 1:
Strengthen the capacity of families with orphans and vulnerable children to cope with
HIV/AIDS related problems of nutrition, education, economic and psychosocial.
Activity
1. Provision of School Fees
20 students have been provided with school fees and other necessities at secondary school level and 3 in
tertiary education compared to 25 students in the previous year of 2009. Progress has been shown that 3
students who were supported in 2009, are attaining high level education and 3 did the driving school and
got away with the driving licences. Out of 3 who did the driving school, 1 has secured a job and he is able to
support himself and the family
Below is the table showing data disaggregation of students benefiting from the programme:
Activity
Youth / Adults
Total
Provision
of 10 – 15 years
15 – 25 years
25 – 35 years
school fees
Male
Female
Female
Male
11
8
1
20
Total
20
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The drop was noted due to sponsoring of some of the students attaining high level education (in colleges)
where more money have been diverted therefore creating a drop in terms of number of students sponsored
at secondary school level.
Result 2:
Stimulated and strengthened community based responses towards HIV/AIDS and its
associated effects.
Activities
2.1 Conduct Outreach awareness campaign on the right of orphans and vulnerable children
Before sensitization on the rights of orphans, the communities were not fully aware of the rights of children or
orphan, therefore, they could not take the matter further. An incident happened in one of the villages of
Kafikisila where a man of around 50 years old was found guilty of raping a 15 year old girl. Most community
members were not concerned about the incidence apart from the few members and family of the raped
girl. As a result of this, an Outreach awareness campaign on the right of orphans and vulnerable children
was conducted in the same area in order to sensitize the community on the issue.
At this meeting , a focus group discussion was conducted at large. Stakeholders were invited to answer
some of the questions on the orphans rights and other concerns. Almost 90% of the population that
attended the outreach appreciated and talked about the importance of conducting such outreach
meetings where issues of children’s rights are addressed. Duty bearers from the Victim Support Unit (VSU)
police, Traditional leaders, and the secretariat (FOCUS) and Kanyighe Community Based Organisation
responded to the questions raised through giving talks on the topical issues. In the short term, it can be
presented that there is change in attitude and behaviour, where each one is able to educate his/her mind
set towards the orphans and are meant to know that orphans are our children like our own children and are
also entitled to right to education, right to good health, right to be protected and other rights that each one
may need in their life.
Since this outreach was mounted with HIV Counselling and Testing, it was noted that amongst the 44 tested,
about 5 out 6 chiefs had their blood tested and 485 people (community members 161 women, 74 men) 2025 years (males 57 <and 88 females), 13-19 years (28 male and 17 females) and 5-12 years (24 boys and 36
girls) were reached during the outreach. This was another landmark in HIV and health seeking behaviour
among community leaders which was viewed as a problem before.
At this awareness meeting, several activities were performed. Some of these include: traditional dances,
dramas by PLWHIV, poems, choirs, testimonies and speeches.
Segregated data during the outreach
Activity
Conduct
awareness
on the right
and
children
Total
Youth / Adults
Outreach
campaign
of orphans
vulnerable
10 – 15 years
Boys
Girls
57
88
Community Members
15 – 30 years
Male
Female
74
161
383
57
74
383
88
161
Total
Table Above: Statistics on community awareness outreach on HIV/AIDS prevention, sanitation and OVC rights
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Result 3: Support provided to 13 vulnerable teenage Mothers in GVH Mbemba in Chief Kyungu’s area
in Karonga District.
Activities
3.1. Conduct Bi-Monthly meeting with Teen Mothers
1 bi-monthly meeting was conducted and in attendance there were 13 teen mothers. The objective of this
activity was to create economic and education opportunities to teen mothers so that they are able to
sustain themselves and meet their personal needs. Under this objective, 8 Teen mothers benefitted from small
scale loans with an aim of generating some interests and thereby improving on their day to day welfare.
Apart from that, 5 teen mothers were identified to benefit from the school support, since they expressed
interest to go back to school.
3.2 Provision of school fees to 5 teen mothers.
During the bi-monthly meetings with the teen mothers, it was observed that 5 teen mothers opted to go
back to school. So to support their initiative, the office started supporting them with school fees and other
school necessities. This was a very great change more especially for those going back to school; as one of
the objective of the project is to ensure that teen mothers go back to school. Community members have
since expressed appreciation towards the initiative as it will ensure that teen mothers are encouraged and
making informed decisions about their lives. The teen mothers who have gone back to school will eventually
be the role models in their communities.
3.3 Provision of Start-up capital to 8 teen mothers (small scale loans).
8 Teen mothers benefitted from small scale loans with an aim of generating some interests and thereby
improving on their day to day welfare. Apart from actual provision of the loans, the teen mothers were also
imparted with skills in business management so that there should be continuity of the programme. The
programme has been implemented in collaboration with the Opportunity International Bank of Malawi
(OIBM).
Objective 2:
To inspire behaviour change in all areas relating to HIV/AIDS
Outcome 2.1: Behaviour Change among men, women, boys and girls living in Karonga district.
Result 2.1.1:
Reduced percentage of youths aged 10-25, practicing unprotected sex in Karonga District
from 33.6% to 15% by December, 2010.
Activities
Activity2.1.1.1 : Bi-Monthly Meeting for Out of School Youth Peer Educators
During the period, 6 bi-monthly meetings were planned to be conducted and targeted 35 trained peer
educators from 7 youth organisation (CHIGOTAYO, WAYO, CHIYO, ULAYO, Taonga, Khwawa, and
Tovwirane) and all the meetings were done. The whole essence of carrying out these meetings was to
review peer educators activities through sharing of reports and data analysis. The meetings also tried to bring
together different youth peer educators and youth organisations and share experiences in youth work. The
meetings that were conducted within the reporting period through the reports peer educators were
presented during the meetings revealed that 596 (332 males, 244 females) youths aged 15 to 25 yrs have
gone for voluntary counselling and testing and 8137 male condoms have been distributed to 401 youths
within the same age band. 268 (118 males and 150 females) youths aged 15 to 25 have also been reached
with the importance of abstaining from early sexual debut and the importance of using condoms correctly
and consistently. 127 youths also have been reached with the information on the dangers of having
unprotected sex.
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The pictures above shows a cross section of peer educators during group discussion sessions during one of the bi-monthly meetings.
Through video screening as an approach for disseminating HIV/AIDS and SRH information among the youth,
WAYO, CHIYO, CHIGOTAYO some of the targeted organizations have managed to reach out to 497 (227
males, 270 females) youths aged 8 to 25 years within the reporting period. The meetings also revealed that
most of the peer educators are not really working in their areas. They lack technical support from the project
staff due to the erratic field visits by the officer responsible (COC). This problem was also identified to
commercial sex workers groups. However, this was so, due to inadequate funding for project monitoring.
The Chart below shows how youths were reached out with different HIV prevention messages through
different media and those who went for HIV testing after being sensitised and convinced with the messages.
From the analysis above, the chart shows that more people tested and out the total number of (596 people
tested), 244 people were females which represents 42%. This is encouraging statistics, looking at how the
women/girls are viewed in the communities on issues of HIV/AIDS, SRH and gender.
Fig: Statistics on number of youth reached out with HIV information and HIV tested
Activity 2.1.1.2: Quarterly meetings of Auntie Stella facilitators for out of school youth
Out-of-school youth Auntie Stella facilitator’s quarterly meetings were also conducted. The aim of these
meetings were to share experiences of activities planned and conducted and notable achievements. The
meetings targeted 14 facilitators, 2 from each of the seven organizations (CHIGOTAYO, WAYO, CHIYO,
ULAYO, Taonga, Khwawa, and Tovwirane. During the meetings, it was revealed that peer to peer, group
discussions, pair wise replies were the main activities done by the facilitators in their respective organizations.
Through the activities conducted they managed to reach out to 345 youths with HIV/AIDS and SRH
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information. There was a great response from the youth as regards to the cards and that young people were
very free and open to express their feelings about HIV/AIDS and SRH issue this is due to the way the cards are
designed. The cards are designed in such a way that they encourage participation from both girls and boys.
The issues in the cards are very similar to problems face in our communities and this stimulates curiosity
among the youth. Issues ranging from unprotected sex and other sexual reproductive health issues among
the youth are highly placed on the cards.
Activity 2.1.1.3: Quarterly Stakeholders Meeting
A total of five quarterly stakeholders meetings targeting health
personnel, functional groups, religious leaders and traditional
leaders were conducted to monitor the distribution of condoms
and to enhance the relationships between the functional groups
and the health personnel. These meetings also helped the
participants to share experiences in as far as the project
performance versus the targets in concerned. Some of the
problems shared during the meetings included the inadequate
supply of condoms, HTC testing kits, general drug shortage for
example those related to treating sexually transmitted related
infections. The health personnel also complained that they rarely
Picture above shows a cross section of participants
make follow-ups to positive living clients due to lack of funds, because
the government does not provide
during one of the stakeholders meeting.
resources related to the above mentioned exercise. This was discovered as one of the major challenges the
Health personnel from (MoH), which is our key stakeholder in the quest to fight HIV/AIDS pandemic. During
this meeting, stakeholders expressed a great desire and made a special appeal to the government
especially MoH to look into this issue more seriously so that the health personnel can start following up on
people living with HIV.
Result 2.1.2: Delayed sexual debut among boys and girls aged 8-14 years in Karonga from 12.5 to 15 years
for girls and 13.5 to 16 years for boys
Activity 2.1.2.1: Quarterly Meeting for Auntie Stella Facilitators for School Patrons/Matrons
Auntie Stella is an interactive reproductive health pack for young people. It is one of the behavioural
change communication tools that addresses wide range of personal and social issues that affects young
people in the region like HIV/AIDS and Sexual Reproductive Health. The pack targets both in and out of
school youths as such, patrons and matrons for Anti School EDZI toto clubs who were trained as facilitators
meet on a quarterly basis to share experiences and skills. During the reporting period, four meetings which
targeted 15 facilitators from the 15 schools [primary and secondary](Uliwa, Bundi, Hara, Chankholombe,
Khwawa, Khwawa CDSS, Luromo, Chisumbu, St Anne’s, Vua, Nyungwe, Nyungwe CDSS, Thabilo, Tawuka Pvt
Sec School and Ngara CDSS) in the catchment area were conducted with an aim of sharing experiences
and skills. During these meetings notable achievements through sharing of some success stories in the course
of implementing the tool in their various schools were documented and shared. It was revealed that through
the different activities that were done in their respective schools, they managed to reach out to 432 (211
boys, 221 girls) pupils aged 8-25 yrs with HIV/AIDS and SRH information through the pack. Turn up of club
members increased to 70% from 50% during the last reporting period, which represent a 20% increase. A total
of 376 (186 boys, 190 girls) pupils have gone for HIV testing and Counselling in their respective areas. In
general there is high demand of young people in school who want to access HIV/AIDS and SRH information,
counselling and testing.
Below is the chart which shows the trends on youths aged 8-25years seeking for HTC services.
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Fig: the chart shows the number of youths reached out with HIV/AIDS information and seeking for HTC Services.
These meetings also revealed a number of challenges and one of the major challenges was of that of early
marriages. Very young girls were getting married at a tender average age of 14 years as evidenced by the
statistics collected in some schools. The statistics show out of those 77 young girls and 5 young boys got
married within the reporting period (See the table below)
Table below shows a number of pupils who dropped out of school due to early marriages from May to November 2010 according to school
records.
No
Name of school
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Bundi
Chankholombe
Thabilo **2
Nyungwe primary**
Hara
Vua primary**
Nyungwe CDSS**
Chisumbu primary
Luromo primary
Khwawa primary
Ngara CDSS **
Totals
Recently got married
Girls
Boys
8
18
7
8
5
8
2
6
7
5
3
77
3
2
Age
Class
(standard)
13-14
12-15
12-15
12-16
12-16
13-15
16-17
14-17
13-16
14-18
15-16
3-6
4-8
5-8
4-7
3-8
4-7
Form 1 & 2
5-8
4-8
5-7
Form 2
5
From the figures depicted above it shows that a total of 77 young girls and 5 young boys got married within
an average age of 14yrs within the period, from May to November 2010.
Looking at the figures above, it shows that issues of young girls education within the communities has been
taken lightly among parents, teachers, community decision makers i.e. traditional leaders and other
development. We need more players to enhance the girl child education if we are to achieve the
2
** Represents Schools that are under T/A Mwilang’ombe’s ADC
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Millennium Development Goals among girls education. We need specific strategies that would enforce and
motivate girl child for education. We also need to deal with parents, teachers etc who are force young girls
into early marriages.
Picture above: Some of the members of AIDS Toto clubs from Uliwa primary school (one of the
targeted primary schools) facing the problems of early marriages and early pregnancies
Activity 2.1.2.2: Quarterly Stakeholders & Traditional leaders meeting
A total of four meetings were conducted that aimed at addressing challenges of early marriages girls face
in the catchment area. Stakeholders from the Malawi Defense Force (MDF), Victim Support Unit from the
Malawi Police, Ministry of Education, Community Services, Traditional Authorities (T/A), Community Based
Organizations (CBOs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Faith Based Organisations (FBOs) were
invited and participated during the meeting. These meetings looked at factors that force girls to go for early
marriages and dropping out from school and some possible solutions. A number of issues were discussed and
some of the notable issues that dominated as the main cause of the problems the young girls face was that
of negligence by parents (biological parents, and those surrounding her). Parents were forcing girls into early
marriages due to their selfishness. The other reason that came out clearly was that most parents they don’t
understand the benefits of educating the girl child.
It was also noted that, due to lack of role models in the communities especially from the girl child point of
view, parents and guardians don’t see the benefits of educating a girl child. However, during the meetings it
was revealed that in some areas, especially T/A Mwilang’ombe, by-laws were formed where families
involved in the practice were given a fine (penalty); however the practice failed to continue due to other
problems.
Stakeholders stressed on the point that for the project to realize its goal, there is need to come up with
strategies and activities that would target the girl child, parents and the community at large that should
address the effects of early marriages and the importance of education.
Result 2.1.3:
Reduced risk of STI infection amongst commercial sex workers and their partners.
Activities:Activity 2.1.3.1: Conduct Bi-Monthly Meetings for Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs)
Commercial Sex Workers were one of the targeted groups of people in the project and one of the major
activities were Bi-monthly review meetings that aimed at reviewing CSWs activities and share experiences on
the same. A total of 5 meetings were conducted that targeted 30 Commercial Sex Workers from 3 functional
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groups thus Tigwirizane, Tikuliwa and Tisinthekhalo respectively. Reports from the meetings which were
conducted with commercial sex workers indicated that 310 (245 females, 65 males) commercial sex workers
were reached out with HIV/AIDS information, and out of these 68 were referred for HTC, 48 were referred for
STI screening and treatment. 27 commercial sex workers were referred for ART. A total of 11500 condoms
were distributed to commercial sex workers and their clients. Out of these, 9000 were distributed in
bars/bottle stores and 2500 condoms in rest houses. 390 female condoms were also distributed to 15
commercial sex workers.
All these figure were reached through night out outreach activities that the peer educators’ conducted in
their various areas and during STI screening and treatment exercises.
Fig1: Number of male condoms distributed in Bars
Bottle stores and resthouses
Fig 2: The chart shows the differences which are the in
distribution of male and female condoms.
The above fig 2, clearly demonstrates that there is a very big gap as far as supply and access of female
condoms is concerned. The figure above shows that there were more male condoms being accessed than
female condoms which represents only 3% total share on the overall condom distribution. 97% of the
condoms distributed were male condoms. This is a worrisome situation, which needs serious consideration so
that all condoms should be accessed by all groups of people.
Activity 2.1.3.2: Commercial Sex Workers’ Night Outreach Activities
Commercial Sex Workers night outreach activities were conducted with an aim of increasing awareness on
HIV/AIDS and STIs among commercial sex workers and their clients targeting bottle stores, bars & high mobile
places e.g. Ngara fish village camp. A total of 12 sessions were conducted targeting three groups thus
Tikuliwa, Tigwirizane and Tisinthekhalo support groups respectively. During these sessions, condoms were
distributed to fellow CSWs and their clients. A total of 4116 males and 400 female condoms were distributed.
256 (97 CSWs, 159 clients) people were reached out with HIV and AIDS information. 45 commercial sex
workers were referred for STI screening and treatment. So far 20 commercial sex workers were referred for
ART.
Activity 2.1.3.3: STI Screening & Treatment for CSWs
STI screening and treatment was one of the activities which targeted Commercial Sex Workers within the
catchment area. A total of 4 outreach sessions which aimed at facilitating STI screening and treatment were
conducted. During the sessions, before the actual activity, CSWs in bottle store, rest houses were sensitized
on the need of taking part in the activity. The programme received overwhelming support from the
commercial sex workers themselves and the bar owners because this was looked at aiming to reduce the STI
infection cases/rates and probably HIV in the area. A total of 57 (36 females CSWs, & 21 male clients) CSWs
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and their clients were screened and treated within the period. During these activities, Medical experts from
the Ministry of Health were hired to conduct the screening and provide treatment to those found with the
STIs.
The in-flow of CSWs and their partners during these activities was very encouraging as people were very
open and confessed that this is not the case when they are accessing the services from the government
hospitals, where the CSWs feel that they are not welcomed as human beings. They mentioned that they
were being castigated by the health personnel and this puts them off from accessing the services from the
government hospitals.
Activity 2.1.3.4: Condom Distribution
Condom distribution was one of the activities which was conducted during the reporting period and this was
done both at the resource centre and during HIV/AIDS outreach activities. Through the resource centre the
project distributed 3524 condoms in bars and bottle stores, and 1450 to rest houses, 3000 condoms was
distributed to 3 CSWs functional groups that was later distributed to their fellow CSWs and their clients. All
these figures captured were not enough as compared to the demand that we experienced during the year.
The supply was not all that up to date because even our main supplier, Ministry of Health (MoH) also
experienced erratic supply of condoms and this on the other hand affected greatly on the project
performance.
Fig: Showing Condom distribution trend amongst CSWs, Resthouses and bottle stores/Bars.
Activity 2.1.3.5: Conduct Quarterly Meetings for Traditional Healers
Quarterly meetings for traditional healers were aimed at reviewing traditional healers work in terms of
HIV/AIDS awareness and STIs/STDs treatment and referrals. The meetings targeted 20 traditional healers
within the catchment area, 10 from each traditional authority, T/A Wasambo and Mwilang’ombe
respectively. The meeting revealed that, the traditional healers through networking and collaboration with
the Ministry of Health, traditional healers started referring STI clients to the hospital for proper treatment and
for HIV counselling and testing. They also started distributing condoms to the clients especially to those who
came to access treatment from their camps i.e. 456 male condoms were distributed to the clients. One of
the achievement during the reporting period, was that traditional headers were facing not many problems
as it was, when referring their client to the hospital, this was due to enhanced relationship between the two
parties during one of the meeting where it involved health personnel and the healers themselves to iron out
one of the stumbling block of how clients from the traditional healers can be referred.
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Result 2.1.4: Increased percentage of the youth aged 10 – 25 years and commercial sex workers going for
HIV Counselling and Testing
Activities
2.1.4.1: Conduct Youth Community Outreach & HIV Testing Campaigns.
Youth Community outreach campaigns were conducted with an aim of increasing HIV and AIDS and Sexual
Reproductive Health knowledge in the communities. One of the major topics which was covered during the
outreach campaigns was condom use which consists “effective and consistence use” of condoms as
paramount in the quest behavioural change because as a project, we believe that behaviour change is the
only way to combat the spread of HIV. During these outreach campaigns, HIV Counselling and Testing (HTC)
and condom distribution to those willing was also conducted. Behaviour change messages were
disseminated through drama, poems, and traditional dances (Malipenga, Ndolo etc). A total of 9
campaigns were conducted and 8768 were reached out and 485 people were counselled and tested for
HIV (275 males and 210 females). 49 people (26 females, 23 males) tested positive, and 17 (9 females, 8
males) were referred for ART.
Pictures above, shows out of school youth during community outreach
campaigns held at Nyungwe CDSS respectively.
Fig: a chart showing number of people who were tested positive and
referred for ART.
During these campaigns, 1563 condoms were distributed to 158 youths (97 males, and 61 females) and 1463
condoms were distributed to 140 adults (88 males and 57 females). As a result of these campaigns, we
continually had more people coming for HIV test at the Resource Centre. Those who were been tested
positive since the project started have been becoming more open about their sero-status and this has
resulted into the formation of 15 support groups in the catchment area which is a great achievement.
Chart showing number of condoms distributed between youths and adults
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Chart showing condom distribution trend between male & female condoms
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Result 2.1.4: Increased knowledge levels on STI, HIV & AIDS and Sexual Reproductive Health amongst the
Activity 2.1.4.1: Resource Centre Activities
The community Resource Centre rendered the following activities during the period: Entertainment, Library
services, HIV/AIDS Education and Indoor games. It also recorded a number of people who came for other
activities or visits like attending to monthly review meetings, capacity building trainings, seeking employment
and reference books. So far the centre reached out to 2648 people thus 1104 male youth (45%) and 243
female youth (14%) aged 10-25 years, 303 male adults (18%) and 221 female adults (10%) aged 26 years and
above with knowledge and skills on issues surrounding HIV & AIDS and SRH.
Resource Centre Activities
Figure 1: showing percentage of males and females accessing centre services by age group..
As indicated above, the resource centre is comprised of a number of activities and services in nature i.e.
indoor games. Out of 2045 people who visited the centre, 1058 came for library services (30%), 256 came for
entertainment (20%), 310 were for HIV and AIDS Education (18%) and 421 were for indoor games and other
general visits (16%). Through the centre the project distributed 5000 male condoms to 7 functional groups
within the catchment area.
Activity 2.1.4.2: HIV Testing and Counselling
The project provided HIV testing and counselling services at its resource centre as well as in the communities
during youth community outreach campaigns. However, realizing that there are other partners providing
same services within the area where FOCUS operates, data is also obtained from these institutions on
monthly basis, and these partners are government and mission hospitals. In the reporting period, FOCUS
reached out to 1698 (487 females, 1208 males) clients both at static and during outreach campaigns with
HIV Counselling and Testing services. Out of these, 102 (55 females, 47 males) tested positive. 34 (19 females,
15 males) clients were referred for ART.
See the tables 1 and 2 below for statistical analysis on the activities carried out at the Resource Centre and during the
Community Outreach Campaigns:STASTICAL REPORT ON HTC AT FOCUS HTC SITE
Table 1 (Static HTC services data at the Resource Centre)
10-25YRS
M
488
F
173
661
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POSITIVE
M
12
F
12
24
ART
M
3
26YRS & ABOVE
F
2
5
2010
M
445
F
104
549
POSITIVE
M
12
F
17
29
ART
M
4
F
8
12
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Table 2 (Outreach campaigns data)
10-25YRS
POSITIVE
M
101
F
82
183
M
3
F
8
11
ART
M
-
F
3
3
26YRS &
ABOVE
M
F
174
128
302
FOCUS
POSITIVE
M
20
F
18
38
ART
M
8
F
6
14
To analyze the situation in the above tables, a total of 485 (275 males and 210 females) were tested during
community outreach campaigns, where 49 (23 males and 26 females) tested positive and 17 (8 males, 9
females) were referred for ART. Nevertheless, 1210 (933 males and 277 females) were tested at the Resource
Centre where 53 (24 males, 29 females) tested positive and 17 (7 males, 10 females) were referred for ART.
During the reporting period, we also experienced a good number of people who were referred for STI
screening and treatment. A total of 18 (17males and 1 female) were referred for STI screening and treatment
to Health Centres around the catchment area. The number of people who were infected with STIs escalated
in this reporting period because there was inadequate supply of free condoms, therefore the situation
negatively impacted in minds of people; forcing them to have unprotected sex.
Pictures above show one of the HTC Counsellors (Ruth Mphepo) attending to a client during VCT session at FOCUS HTC site.
Result 2.1.5:
Strengthened FOCUS capacity for effective and efficient programme delivery.
During the reporting period, the office was privileged to have one staff joining the project team on
attachment basis from one of our local colleges where she is studying her Diploma course in Community
Development. She worked with us for three months thus from October to December 2010. Her dedication
and contributions towards the project helped the field staff in a number of areas. This was due to her
innovativeness and hard working spirit towards work. The project team learnt a lot from her, which eventually
help in the project implementation.
Apart from that, we also had routine monthly and quarterly visitations respectively from the District HIV
Testing and Counselling Supervisor, from the Karonga District Hospital and the Ministry of Health personnel.
Their visits were aimed at ensuring that HTC services at the centre are carried out in line with the MoH and
WHO procedures and standards. These visitations also helped the project team a lot, as they served as
reminders and new information on the HTC guidelines and procedures were shared which helped the HTC
Counsellors to be mindful of their work especially on the recommended guidelines and procedures of HTC
and be able to produce quality work.
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2.1.5.1 : Monitoring & Supervisory Activities
The activity was planned with an aim of monitoring project activities’ progress on the project activities to all
the functional groups within the catchment area. 12 monitoring and supervisory visits were planned to be
conducted in the reporting period, however only 4 visits were done. This was due to some planning
technicalities, confusion as to who was supposed to do the monitoring and supervisory visits on a monthly
basis between the Community Outreach Coordinator [COC] whose one of his major responsibilities is to
monitor and supervise these groups on a monthly basis and the organizational Planning, Monitoring &
Evaluation Officer [PLMEO] whose responsibility is also the same. This problem caused a lot of problems in the
communities where we were working, since we were not monitoring the activities on a monthly basis, the
community didn’t felt we were closer to them as compared to the first three years (2005 to 2008), where the
COC was very close to the communities (functional groups) on a monthly basis even though we were using
public transport. This greatly reduced groups’ morale and seriousness towards project activities. From the 4
visits, people were very open to talk about our absence in the field to monitor their activities and confessed
that our absence in the community greatly reduced their morale and commitment of working on the project
activities, therefore compromising the results of the project. The functional groups, urged the project team to
seriously look into this issue in future.
YOUTH
Result 2.1.6: At least 6,150 youth able to make/making informed personal lifestyle decisions, including
negotiating safe sex and adopting health seeking behaviour (including increased number of youth who are
aware of their HIV sero-status)
Activities
1. Peer educators’ Training:
The training trained 50 TOTs. The 50 TOTs trained in first half of the year further trained 1000 fellow youths in life
skills. They trained TOT youths used a three module life skills package called journey of life, reaching out to 25
out-of-school youths and 25 in-school youths and 18 church based youth clubs. Out of 85% of the proposed
target of youths, 52% of youths are demonstrating good knowledge on safer sex practices, dangers of
indulging in multiple sexual partners and are able to consistently and effectively use condoms.
2. Develop, produce and Dissemination of IEC materials.
215 assorted pieces of IEC materials and one banner on SAVE (on safer practices, stigma and treatment
and VCT) were developed, produced and distributed to the targeted audience. This is far less than the
expected 2000 pieces of IEC Materials which represent a 10% achievement and this has been because of
late commencement of implementation of the project. Furthermore, these IEC materials were mainly
targeting the faith congregations. Those targeting the youths were not produced and are expected to be
produced at the beginning of Year 2 of project implementation.
RELIGIOUS LEADERS:
Result 2.1.7: Improved knowledge of the SAVE approach and improved attitudes to HIV, including reduced
Stigma , Denial and Discrimination (SDD) amongst 300 Religious Leaders, demonstrated by increased use of
non-stigmatizing language by Religious Leaders when communicating with their respective faith
communities.
Activities.
1. Training on SAVE approach and reducing SDD:
300 Religious Leaders were split into three segments (years) to be trained (100 leaders per year). During the
implementation of the project activities in this reporting period, a total of 97 religious leaders (24 women, 73
men) drawn from 65 churches and 2 mosques in year 1 were trained, which is representing almost a 98%
achievement against a target of 100 religious leaders to be trained in year 1. On the same view, a network
of religious leaders affected / infected with HIV/AIDS called KANERELA+ was established in the district. The
aim of the network is working to engage more religious leaders and train them as change agents against
Stigma, Denial and Discrimination (SDD). So far the network, has a membership of 10 and many have
expressed interest to join it. The accomplishment of 98% in the first year out of the target of 100% is a major
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boost for the remaining 2 years of the project implementation. The work is going to be a little more easier
with the establishment of the KANERELA+, which will help in mobilising the Religious Leaders in their various
communities.
FAITH CONGREGATIONS:
Result 2.1.8: Improved Knowledge, Attitude and Practices among 12,000 faith congregation members,
including increased health seeking behaviour (including increased number aware of their status) and
reduced SDD/ less stigmatizing attitudes shown towards PLWHAs.
Activities
1. Conduct awareness raising campaigns among congregation members on Knowledge, Attitudes and
Practices (KAP)
During the awareness raising campaigns, the religious leaders emphasised on Anti Stigma, Denial and
Discrimination messages and they reached out to 3, 880 people from 25 churches and 2 mosques, based
on the following massage themes:
• HIV sithemberero (HIV is not a curse from God)
• Tetezani tsogolo lanu (protect the future congregation)
• Sungani lonjezo (keep the promise)
• khazikitsani lamulo pa za EDZI (formulate church HIV policy)
During the project activity implementation, it was observed that almost 47% of people who were reached
out with different messages demonstrated good knowledge in HIV/AIDS treatment and nutrition, safer sex
practices and demonstrating positive attitudes towards HIV/AIDS, which is encouraging.
OTHER COMMUNITY MEMBERS:
Result 2.1.9: Improved Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices and increased health seeking behaviour among
6,000 community members (which includes increased number of people who are aware of their sero status
by increasing uptake of VCT) and reduced SDD/ less stigmatizing attitudes shown towards PLWHAs
Activities
1. Conduct Community outreach and stigma reduction campaigns targeting community members.
A total of 3 anti stigma campaign meetings were conducted and reaching out to 3148 people (2023
females and 1125 males). During these meetings 11 PLWHAs openly declared their status and shared
testimony on positive living. HTC services were also provided during these campaigns, and 648 (307 males
and 339 females) tested and out of 648 people who were tested; 55 people tested positive (10 males and 45
females). 593 tested negative (297 males and 296 females) showing an immediate increase in VCT. As
above indicated statistics it is much evidenced there was an increase of women participation in HTC
services compared to male counterparts, which is positive change in the community.
Fig: Chart showing number of people who tested during the outreach campaigns
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Fig 1&2: Show the number of people who were tested positive and negative during the outreach campaigns
Result 2.1.10: Increased uptake of ART, Safe and effective ART; and increased quality of life by support group
members.
Activities
1. Establishment of PLWHAs support groups
20 support groups for PLWHAs were established. Each support group is comprised of 25 members on
average which means that there are almost 500 members who have joined support groups since the
projects’ inception. The project had a target of 85% of direct beneficiaries and 76% of indirect beneficiaries
benefiting from the activities, but so far the project has managed to achieve 73% of the direct and indirect
beneficiaries reached out through the support groups activities.
2. Conduct Training in advocacy
1 training in advocacy was conducted and 29 leaders (12 men and 17 females) from the support groups,
CBOs and NGOs were trained in advocacy. The trained participants, then led in planning and conducting of
advocacy meetings with the government, district assembly and local leaders, seeking to get more
government support to access of quality health services. The purpose of the meeting was to have a
common understanding with the opinion leaders at the district level on the issues that affect PLWHAs e.g.
access to ART so that they can assist the support groups to advocate for and lobby government ministries on
the issues. The training was successful and the participants expressed satisfaction the way the training was
conducted and they noted that they gained knowledge and skills in advocacy issues.
3. Conduct Advocacy meetings with government officials and other key stakeholders.
2 advocacy meetings were conducted with the District Assembly officials and 1 with the Secretary to the
Office of the President and Cabinet responsible for HIV and Nutrition. As a result of these campaigns,
government pledged to roll out mobile clinics to provide ART, VCT and treatment of HIV/AIDS clients in the
rural areas of the whole district by June 2011 which would give over 70% of HIV+ and pregnant women in the
district more access to HIV services.
The government pledge to roll out the mobile clinics to provide ART and HTC services is recommendable
since there are so many people in the communities who are HIV+, but can’t afford transportation costs to
access ARTs and other HTC services because of long distances to such services.
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4. Referrals /Linkages of clients to health centres by providing 10 bicycle and 2 motor cycle ambulances to
health providers.
10 bicycles and 2 motor cycle ambulances were procured and donated to health service providers, CBOs
and support groups to facilitate referrals of clients to medical facilities. So far, 21 clients have been referred
to health centres which indicated that a functional referral system was established and is functioning. The
project and the Ministry of Health and community groups are coordinating well since the establishment of
such referrals.
Result 2.1.11: Improved understanding of treatment care and support needs of PLWHAs among spouses
/partners/close family members of PWHIV, leading to greater uptake of HIV related services by PLWHAs and
the partners/ close family members
Activities
1. Conduct training in effective treatment, nutrition and use of herbal medicines
256 PLWHAs were trained in effective treatment, nutrition and use of herbal medicines to boost immunity. 20
herbal gardens were also established currently benefiting about 500 PLWHAs. The 25 support group leaders
who were trained in the first half of the year as treatment literacy. TOTs further trained 187 PLWHA(112
females and 75 males). 50 Family members/spouses to PLWHA on treatment, adherence to treatment,
nutrition, care and support. They facilitated a total of 25 monthly meetings with the PLWHA and close family
members.
2. Conduct Bi-weekly women’s corner activities
This activity was shifted to Year 2 due to logistical problems. It was agreed that it should take place
immediately after harvesting because that is when enough food is available. This will give the 25 support
group members enough time to continuously being together, prepare and share food.
Result 2.1.12: Improved income of target households; access to, and utilization of, food among target
households
Activities
1. Conduct Farm field classes to PLWHAs, and other community members
22 Farm field classes were held on the 22 demonstration plots which were set in the first half of year 1. A total
of 300 PLWHAs, 150 women headed households, 50 child headed households and 100 males participated in
the training by the end of year 1. 500 PLWHA, child headed households and women received some starter
support of farm inputs, comprised of seed and fertilizer 1015 seedlings, 60 bags of fertilizer were distributed to
the households and individuals.
2. Procure and distribute farm input to PLWHAs and other targeted community members
500 PLWHA, child headed households and women received some starter support of inputs, comprised of
seed and fertilizer 1015 seedlings, 60 bags of fertilizer were distributed to the households and individuals. This
actually boosted the welfare of the PLWHAs and other vulnerable groups.
Result 2.1.13: Increased knowledge of the SAVE approach, PLWHIV rights and gender issues amongst at least
600 support group & 3,600 local community members
Activities
1. Conduct training of Trainers (TOT) on advocacy, PLWHA rights, gender and the SAVE approach.
1 Training of Trainers on advocacy, PLWHA rights, gender and the SAVE approach was conducted, involving
40 PLWHA (26 females and 14 males). The trained TOT further carried out advocacy campaigns in 65
congregations on the rights of women/girls and PLWHAs. 173 people attended. The project had a target of
85% of targeted support group members, their spouses and family members recognise and practise their
rights to access and utilise HIV prevention, treatment and support services (VCT, Condoms and ART) and 90%
of those also have adequate knowledge of SAVE approach and PLWHAs rights, so far the project has
achieved an average of 69.5% on both indicators.
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2. To facilitate 3 TOTs citizen led advocacy meetings involving PLWHAs, youths, religious leaders and women
with the District Assembly and also the central government.
The TOTs facilitated 3 citizen led advocacy meetings involving PLWHAs, youths, religious leaders and women
with the District Assembly and also the central government. The purpose was of the meetings was to
promote citizenry rights, lobby for improved access to HIV related services and to promote the SAVE
approach to the HIV/AIDS fight. As a result of these advocacy meetings, government has pledged to roll out
mobile HIV clinics (offering VCT, ART and other treatment) in the whole district by June this year (2011) and
also to support SAVE approach as it was a more comprehensive approach than ABC.
3. Develop, produce and distribute IEC materials with SAVE approach messages.
So far the project has managed to produce and distribute 215 IEC materials consistent with SAVE approach
and local needs. This was done following consultations with the District Assembly, District Health Office, NGOs
and CBOs. This figure was arrived at because the amount of money that was available was not enough for
planning meetings, procurement, production and distribution. Therefore there is need to increase the
production in year 2. So far the project has achieved a 20% visibility of SAVE approach at district and
national level from 0% during the baseline survey.
4. Conduct Project Launch to create awareness towards less stigmatising attitudes among local leaders, and
local leaders active in promoting and protecting PWHIV and gender rights.
1 project launch meeting was conducted. During the EHL Project launch a deliberate interface interaction
between the DC, DHO, Senior Traditional Authority Karonga and PLWHAs, women and girls where they had
to respond to the concerns of the community in terms of ART, women and girls rights. The STA Karonga
publicly urged his subjects to stop discriminating PLWHAs while the DHO promised to roll out ART services to
all rural centres by June. Present during the project was the Secretary to the Office of President, responsible
for HIV and Nutrition, Dr. Mary Shawa, government officials and other dignitaries.
Result 2.1.14: Increased visibility of the SAVE approach at national level
Activities
1. Facilitate Bilateral consultations with the National AIDS Commission and the Office of the President and
Cabinet through the Secretary responsible for HIV and Nutrition.
Bilateral consultations with the National AIDS Commission and the Office of the President and Cabinet were
done. The Secretary for HIV and Nutrition in the Office of the President and Cabinet was invited to launch
the project and was oriented on the concept of SAVE and how it is being used in Karonga. Prior to the
Launch, 9 road shows were conducted in all strategic areas within our catchment area and one on the
actual day of the launch. Approximately, a total of 16750 people attended and heard SAVE messages. 40%
of them were women, 35% were youths and 25% men.
Outcome 2.2: Reduced HIV transmission among high risk and vulnerable groups of youths, boys and girls
aged 15-25 years, in priority prevention areas in Karonga District.
Result 2.2.1: To increase knowledge and risk perception on HIV/AIDS and STIs for safer sex practices among
the youths (boys and girls).
Activities
1. Conduct Hope kit training to 24 Hope Kit facilitators
The participants were drawn from 2 BVCs and 2 Schools. These remains the strategic areas that we were
working with support from Pact Malawi Community REACH project. The training comprised of both boys and
girls. (13 boys and 11 girls) making a total of 24 participants. 2 training sessions were separately done due to
the nature of interventions. The other session dealt with AB interventions while the other one was dealing with
beyond AB interventions.
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The aim of the training was to equip the participants with knowledge and skills to help them effectively
facilitate Hope Kit activities in HIV prevention work.
Both trainings took 5 days and were held at Fisheries Conference Hall and Karonga District Education offices
respectively. At the end of the trainings, both groups developed their take home action plans as a sign of
commitment and putting into practice what they have acquired.
The training had the desired and expected outputs. It was expected that after the training, the following
would have been achieved: knowledge and skills gain in facilitating Hope kit and its related concepts that
would help individual participants and their target groups through the journey of hope activities in their
respective schools and organization. The trainings were facilitated by Andrew Kasambo, Chimwemwe
Mwafongo and Piet Mughogho during the in school youths. The participation was very good for all the
participants.
Below is the photograph, which was taken during one of the training session.
Chimwemwe Mwafongo (in white t-shirt) of the Training facilitators during Hope kit training for the in -school youths
2. Conduct Hope kit sessions by trained facilitators in targeted areas on HIV/AIDS and STIs.
Hope Kit sessions were included in the developed plans. They targeted the youths aged 15 to 25 years and
they were following the set minimum standards/package and in small group sessions which calls for a
maximum of 25 individuals per session.
During the project period, about 32 hope kit sessions were conducted and reached out to youths and
community members. This was evidenced through the data collected and getting the information from the
beneficiaries. For instance, the visitation that took place at Kayelekera where students who did not
participate in the training as a facilitator were able to talk what they have got from the trained facilitators.
For instance, how they can handle hope kit sessions and interpret hope kit role plays such as wild fire which
to this student interpreted as the way HIV is transmitted. This simply means that the Hope kit facilitators were
able to deliver hence the multiplier effect being felt within a short space of time. As part of monitoring, It
was also noted that Chipamira BVC Hope kit facilitators missed the target in such a way that they targeted
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the general community, but after we discussed with them, they had to change and currently they are
performing well and they know their target audience in terms of age.
3. Conducting Hope Kit Facilitators Monthly Meetings
The monthly meetings for these facilitators were done in two ways, the other meeting was organized by the
facilitators themselves and other one by FOCUS. The ultimate purpose of these meetings were to reflect on
what they have done, document lessons learnt, challenges encountered AND solutions to the identified
challenges.
This system as a community based approach helped them in improving their skills and competence in
service delivery and project performance. The other way was that FOCUS could organize such an event with
an aim of allowing the facilitators share and learn from each other, identify changes that they have
experienced as facilitators themselves and the changes in fellow youth and also plan for the next months.
For instance, One facilitator indicated that at the beginning, he used to going out with more than 1 girl
friend and at same time protected sex. His behaviours started changing after attending the Hope Kit
facilitators training and when he started facilitating to their fellow youth, the other girl friend was saw him
and started question his behaviour of having many girl friends. She openly challenged the facilitator to start
changing himself before others. This made this facilitator to drop down the malpractice and concentrate
with one girl friend. This is a positive departure from having multiple concurrent partners which can expose
young people from contracting HIV.
At the end of the 2 months project implementation, we managed to hold 2 monthly meetings. All 24
participants (13 boys and 11 girls) attended the meetings.
4. Conducting football and netball for Hope for the youth in fishing camps and mining camp:
Using sports in fight against HIV/AIDS was one of the innovative ways of reaching out to other youths
because on its own sports build a strong team spirit, confidence and self esteem.
The project procured 8 balls, (4 netballs and 4 footballs) and each group was given 2 balls. Hope kit
facilitators were able to display Hope kit activities before the games and also continued doing that as one
of their game rules. This activity took place to the very end of the project at Kaporo Primary ground between
Chipamila and Kaporo Hope Kit Facilitators (Football and netball) teams. The activity reached out to 6256
people (3715 males and 2541 females).
In attendance, Village Headman (VH) Chakwela made a speech thanking Pact Malawi through FOCUS for
remembering his village as one of the beneficiaries and he urged the facilitators to display good behaviour
that will help the village get transformed. He further bemoaned the short project period that this has been
given.
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VH Chakwela (far right) addressing youth gathered during the match while (left picture) girls are busy watching a football game
In addition, the Executive Director Kossam Jommo Munthali thanked the community for playing a role of
identifying the youth and get trained as Hope kit facilitators and even finding time to be with FOCUS during
the activity. He also thanked the Pact Malawi-Bridge for the generous support for contributing towards
reducing HIV transmission among high risk groups of youth and girls in priority prevention areas of Karonga.
Members of the 2 BVC’s in a group photograph after the football and netball matches.
Before football and netball matches, the facilitators were demonstrating some of the activities in Hope kit
like that of “Wild fire and what happens in the body of someone having HIV”. The picture below, illustrates
how the facilitators were demonstrating some of the activities .e.g. condom use. This brought attention to
the whole group that was there and it was evidenced that through facial expression of people during the
display of the activities.
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Hope Kit facilitators demonstrating the Hope kit activities before football and netball matches.
5. Establishment of 6 condom outlets
The trained Out-of-School youths were dealing with interventions beyond A/B. In view of that, the project
was designed in addition to establish 6 functional Condom Outlets composed of 2 community youths based
condom outlets. The project managed to source 200 female and 1440 male condoms and were given to
the Hope kit facilitators in their communities. The only problem faced during this activity was that of the
inadequate supply of condoms from the Karonga District Hospital.
During the visits to the various condom outlets, It was learnt and noted that statistics of condom accessibility
amongst youths was increasing and this was evidenced with the statistics/reports which were produced by
Hope kit facilitators.
6. Source and distribute condoms both male and female in all condom service outlets:
The project managed to source 2500 male and 1445 females condoms that were meant to address the gap
that was identified during the implementation of the Pact Malawi-REACH project. Regardless of having a
problem of erratic supply of condoms in the district health hospitals, FOCUS managed to source condoms
from the District Hospital which were distributed in the community condoms outlets to be accessed by
youths and community members.
During the stakeholders meeting the STI Coordinator for Karonga District Hospital promised that going
through his office, it will somehow be easy on the part of Hope Kit facilitators to access condoms because
established strong linkage between the Hope kit facilitators, FOCUS staff and their office. The only challenge
noted was that the discussion took place to the very end of the project however as a sustainability
mechanism, facilitators with the help of FOCUS will be able to access the condoms as per the meeting
agreement.
7. Referring of clients to other service providers (Referral System).
The trained hope kit facilitators were linked to other service providers so as to be known and refer their fellow
youths if there is a need as one way of strengthening the provision of continuum services. However, this was
not fully done because of time. Apart from that, the project didn’t provide enough time for the stakeholders
to discuss a clear referral system that could affect the successful implementation of activities, therefore it
was a bit challenging to come up with a clear referral system.
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Result 2.2.2:
FOCUS
: Enhance stakeholders’ networking and collaboration for greater accessibility of services to
high risk and vulnerable groups.
Activities
1. Conduct stakeholders’ meetings
The objective of having such meetings was to enhance networking and collaboration for greater
accessibility of services to high risk and vulnerable groups. 1 stakeholders’ meeting was conducted. The
meeting drew together different stakeholders; some were from the District Hospital Karonga, District Youth
Officer, Health Centres personnel, School committee, Head teachers, club patrons, fisheries, youth
organizations and the PEA of schools. During the meeting stakeholders were briefed on the background of
the project allowing them to have the insights of what is happening in the project.
A number of interesting issues came out that facilitate the spread of HIV amongst the youth and participants
during the meeting discussed them critically. One of the issue that cropped up was that of early marriages
at Kayelekera. It was learnt that because the area has a uranium mine hence money to most parents and
young girls is becoming not as a big issue. This has negatively exposed young girls to hard conditions and
hindrance for them to continue with their education. It was further learnt that there are no role models in the
area that can encourage young girls to strive for the education. Members attributed to the fact that
sometimes other factors such as long distances where learners move 20 kms to reach the school puts girls off
interest of liking education.
To the positive side, it was learnt during the same meeting; that the Village Headman Kayelekera has gone
back to Secondary school to start form 1. This simply tells a story that now even the village headman has
recognized the importance of the school which has already changing the mindsets of other parents and
girls in the area. Members also agreed that communities at Kayelekera have solutions to the problems that
are associated with early marriages and agreed to create more awareness and involve local chiefs to
address the situation
Result 2.2.3.: Enhance monitoring activities for efficient and effective service delivery.
Activities
1. Conducting of follow up visits to Hope kit facilitators
This activity aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of programme delivery in attaining the agreed indicators
and at the same time, as one way of effecting project Monitoring and Evaluation system. Apart from this,
these visits were giving a back stopping technical support to the trained Hope kit facilitators and the followup visits also enabled the project team to build on the lessons learnt and document results that contribute to
the achievement of the project goal.
Through the process, it was noted that the community where these facilitators are working; greatly recognize
their importance in HIV/AIDS, STI education and their services are demanded. Youth and early groups are
expressing willingness to join the trained facilitators and work towards complementing their efforts in fighting
the spread of HIV which is increasingly affecting people in the area.
2. Orientation of Hope kit facilitators in Monitoring and Evaluation meeting.
The orientation of Hope kit facilitators in Monitoring and Evaluation exercise was organized to assist them in
understanding the need of monitoring and why data collected need to be reported and kept. At the same
time, orientation meeting purportedly wanted to prepare the Hope kit facilitators to know the importance
M&E system and be familiar with data collection tools, reporting formats and the indicator we are tracking in
the proposal. This training took place at Kapata Lodge in Karonga for a period of 2 ½ days. All the 24 (13
boys and 11 girls) trained hope kit facilitators/participants attended the meeting. During this gathering the
BRIDGE Report form was shared among the facilitators and the trained Hope kit facilitators expressed
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satisfaction with the orientation meeting and mentioned that they learned a lot that will help them to carry
out the activities successfully.
3. Hold data review meetings
The activity took place at the secretariat level where PACT Malawi officials came for a Review of the project
documents. The process looked at the whole proposal documents, check whether the proposed indicators
and targets were met. At the same time, the visiting officials and the project implementing team looked at
the 2 projects that both were supported with financial support from Pact Malawi and how the reports can
be approached despite having the same/similar reporting format. At the end, the visiting officials
emphasized the need and importance of timely data collection and also separating them accordingly.
The PACT Malawi officials also appreciated how the project implementing team used the data base which
was being used for monthly data reporting. This has greatly helped in compiling both reports with less
difficulties. The review team from PACT Malawi, noted that the project (REACH Project) registered numerous
success stories and they were pleased to note that the project was implemented according to their
expectations and targets were met; though with few challenges.
Objective 3:
To equip communities with requisite skills in lobbying and advocating for issues related to
HIV/AIDS.
Outcome 3.1: An empowered community that is able to prevent HIV infection and mitigate AIDS impact.
Result 3.1.1: Build community capacity to prevent HIV/AIDS and mitigate its impact
Activities
1. Conduct Home Based Care education orientation to HBCC committees.
HBCC /CBO Committee members during the orientation meeting
1 Home Based Care Education orientation meeting was conducted to 23 people (10 female and 13 males)
and after the orientation the trained Home Based Care givers reached out to 215 ( 89 men and 126
women). The main aim of the orientation was to equip members of the HBCC /CBO committee members
with pre-requisite skills and knowledge in conducting Home Based Care activities to the clients. During the
orienting sessions, it was observed that more of similar orientation sessions are needed to be done, as it was
learnt during the orientation sessions that most people did not know more about Home Based Care
concept/activities and the general participants views perceived that HBC was deemed to be the women’s
work and not men. More was also shared on the following topics/concepts:


How guardians can care patients and easily identify, who is a patient?
Who is a Home Based Care Giver and about herbal medicinal plants and preparation.
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Bar Chart: Shows number of HBCC members during the orientation meeting and the Pie Chart: Shows number of people reached by
trained HBCC members in %centage after the orientation meeting.
2. Construction of 1 CBO office block
1 CBO office block was constructed at Namasalima in Zomba District. The office block which is housing the
following: Voluntary and counselling rooms, CBO offices and an entertainment hall. The office block was
constructed to build competence in the community for them to continue carrying out activities after the
project has phased. This proposal has really materialised as the community members are able to appreciate
the development that has taken place in their area in the course of constructing the CBO office block.
During the construction period, the community members were fully involved in the construction work, which
made a great impact and change to the community.
Result 3.1.2:
Increased knowledge on HIV/AIDS and sexual reproductive health among men, women,
boys and girls
Activities
1. Conduct HIV/AIDS Education awareness campaigns targeting youth fishermen and business community
(men and women)
3 HIV/AIDS education outreach campaigns were conducted and reached out to 875 [327 youth fishermen
and 548 business people (men and women)], mainly targeting youth fishermen and the business community
(men and women). The main aim of conducting the activities was to create awareness amongst the
targeted youth fishermen and business community (women and men) around Lake Chirwa in Zomba District
on the following topics: Effective use of condoms and misconceptions
 HIV infection and prevention/positive living
 Important of early blood test and seeking behavior of HTC services amongst the community
members.
 Dangers of unwanted pregnancies and having multiple sexual partners
 General HIV/AIDS/SRH and STI education.
During the outreach campaign meeting it was noted that most people had misconceptions about condoms
i.e. use of two or more condoms at once can prevent the infection and the rate of excitement during sex
intercourse when using condom. As a recommendation on the findings after the outreach campaigns, it is
that there is need for more HIV/AIDS awareness campaign meetings in the areas so that they could provide
room for more interactions about HIV/AIDS topics and also mobilisation of small functional groups that could
be trained in HIV/AIDS information dissemination so that they could reach out to many people in the area.
And the same time also there is need to intensify the involvement of other stakeholders in the same field,
who implement HIV/AIDS projects in the area so that there should be a coordinated effort in the fight
against HIV/AIDS.
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Namasalima CBO chairman James Beyard (far left) giving HIV talk to the fishermen at Lake Chirwa
Bar Chart: Showing statistics on HIV/AIDS education awareness campaigns conducting around Lake Chirwa in Zomba District.
On fig above, the figures show that during the HIV/AIDS education outreach campaigns 875 people were
reached. Out of 875 people , 548 people were business persons (women and men) which represents 63% of
people and 37% of youth fishermen (227 youth fishermen) which signifies that the project managed to
reached to more business people than the fishermen themselves. This is really great, when considering to
how vulnerable the business population is to HIV/AIDS transmission.
Lessons Learnt
• The high turn-up of women during the HIV/AIDS education outreach campaigns influenced their
active participating which was very encouraging and facilitated change how other men view
women in the society and also about gender mainstreaming.
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2. Conduct conjugal rights education targeting married couples.
The main aim of conducting this activity was to create awareness amongst community members especially
married couples on the conjugal rights in their families. The sessions reached out to 121 married people (43
men and 78 women). During the meeting sessions it was learnt that some traditional customs influence the
rate of HIV infections amongst married couples in the area e.g. only a husband can demand sex but not the
wife because if a women demands sex from her husband, she is deemed to be prostitute; a thing that lead
to women having multiple sexual partners and at the same time unprotected sex. It was also noted that
there was low participation of men than women, only 43 men were present against 78 women. Therefore,
there is need to intensify such activities so that more married couples can be reached out to with similar
information which will in long reduce HIV infection rate in the area.
The covered the following key topics:


What is conjugal rights
How
to
effectively
manage
ones
partnership or relationship in marriage e.g.
openness on sexuality between the
husband and wife.
Indicators of a good marriage


How could effective communication help
to build the family which consists conflict
management and resolutions.
The roles and responsibilities of a wife and
husband in the house
Key debated issues / burning questions




Why do men hide their sex organs during sex intercourse?
How can wives control/stop their husbands from having relations outside marriages
How can we respect each other as husband and wife in marriages
Whom can we consult when we experience marriage disagreements?
Result 2:
Empower communities to promote positive cultural practices and gender equality between
men and women in order to reduce vulnerability of women and girls to HIV
Activities
1. Monthly Meetings.
From January to December, 2010, 22 monthly meetings were conducted to groups of MAP, Bicycle taxi
operators, Spouses to traditional leaders and Community Aunties in the Traditional Authourities of Kalonga
and Mwakaboko within the 6 Group Village Headmen of Mwahimba, Mwandambo, Mbemba,
Mwenechilanga, Mwangulukulu and Mwakaboko. Total number of Change Agents was 126 (46 females, 80
males). The Change Agents had reached out to 7848 people, 2133 women, 4332 men, 752 CARGO, boys
250 and 381 girls.
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Fig: Chart showing number of people reached out by Change Agents with HIV/AIDS, Culture
and gender information.
The Change Agents had conducted 32 sessions on gender, 81 sessions on HIV/AIDS, 27 sessions on culture, 6
sessions on condom use, 14 sessions on Counselling and 13 sessions on HCT education to the community
males, fellow Cargos and community women, boys and girls.
1.1 Benefits of monthly meetings
During such meetings, several issues were reported by the Change Agents. Complimenting to the issues that
were highlighted from January to July report, other issues included that of good dressing which was cited as
one way of putting one to be at risk of contracting HIV if not properly dressed e.g. girls putting on see
through clothes which can attract men and thereby leading to be misused or raped (BEHE, 2010). Although
HIV/AIDS sessions were carried out by almost each group of change agents like MAP, SPOUSES and CARGO,
it was still seen that there is still high Multiple Concurrent Partnerships (MCP) amongst those who trade in
fishing such that some men venture into other peoples wives [report by: MAP, Mbemba]. At least gender
concept is being adopted by most people especially men who in the first place viewed it as a work to be
done by women. The misconception which was being seen before the sensitizations, today most of the
people are not only able to distinguish gender but they also put it into practice and were able to appreciate
the positive impact in their lives..
2. Sensitization Awareness Campaign Meetings
As the Outreach Campaign Meetings are meant to act as
communication channel where information is shared at large, 6
meetings of this nature were conducted in GVH Mwahimba,
Mwakaboko, Mwenechilanga, Mwangulukulu and Mbemba. In
all these meetings, themes varied basing on the project
objectives e.g. “involvement of men in the fight against HIV/AIDS
in relation to culture, Promoting self – esteem and decision
making skills” Men taking a role in Gender”. Several activities
were performed to sensitise the community members on issues of
Culture, gender and HIV/AIDS and 2387 (1437 women and 950
men)people were reached .
Ndolo dancers during the sensitization awareness campaign meetings
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HCT during one of the Outreaches
During these awareness campaign meetings, HIV
Counselling and Testing (HCT) services were also carried
out. The purpose of conducting these testing services
during outreach campaigns, is that during such
gatherings many people attend and as such are
attracted since it is within their reach unlike when they
are asked to go to the centres.
During the reporting period, the total numbers of
people who were tested at the centre were 739 (276
men, 144 females, 131 girls, and 188 boys). Out of
these, 43 were found to be positive (3 boys, 2 girls, 16
men and 22 females) and 12 were referred for ARVs
and 20 joined the support groups.
Fig 1: Chart shows the number of people seeking for HTC services
at the HTC centre
Fig 2: Charts shows the number of people seeking for HTC services
during the outreach campaigns
During the same reporting period, 6 outreaches campaigns activities were conducted and a total number
of 289 [186 men and 103 women] people were
tested. At Mapwa in Mwangulukulu, the Health
Surveillance Assistant (HSA) said there is need to
train counsellors in order to operate at the centre.
There were no HTC Counsellors in the catchment
area to who could provide HTC counselling and
testing services to people around the area in order
to access VCT services. This was a privilege for the
people surrounding Mapwa that the testing came
to their reach.
The analysis of the chart shows that 51% of females
tested positive, which clearly indicates that women
are vulnerable to HIV infections cases. This is
evidenced as most families/households men are the
one who make decisions on sexuality e.g. condom
us, therefore leaving women vulnerable to catching
the virus and other STIs infections.
The chart shows number of people who tested HIV positive during outreach and centre
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3. Conduct Orientation meeting for Community Aunties
A meeting with 10 community Aunties was conducted in view of facilitating the development of an exit
strategy and at the same time incorporate them in the project of USICA. These Aunties got trained in gender,
HIV/AIDS, culture, assertiveness skills and self-esteem in the “improved sexual reproductive health and early
motherhood” project with support from CIDA - GESP. One of the recommendation that came out in the
research tool, highlighted on the need to incorporate groups that can help in bringing about change in the
lives of community members. The involvement of these Aunties will help in influencing especially girls in
making informed choices regarding their education. During the meeting, they were educated on how to
document data using the research tools which were already developed and is being used by other change
agents.
At this meeting, community aunties reported that they had conducted 4 meetings to schools within T/A
Mwakaboko [Kangindwa, Ikwawo, Iponga and Nakatendo primary schools]. In all these schools they had
conducted 5 sessions on HIV/AIDS, 5 sessions on gender and 9 sessions on culture. As the result of these
sessions, 4 girls who went into marriage went back to school, 3 at Iponga CDSS (form one) and 1 is at primary
school (Std 7).
4. Action Research Assessment
The Action Research Assessment was conducted by George Chidalengwa (consultant). The assessment
was generally to see whether the action research was correctly being followed by the change agents and
also FOCUS staff.
The Action Research was extracted after conducting a Baseline Survey which exposed a number of key
issues in terms of HIV information, cultural practices, attitudes of change agents and relationship between
gender and HIV. The assessment targeted 8 FOCUS staff (5 males, 3 females), MAP of Mwahimba, Ngana,
Bicycle taxi operators, (Boarder) and Spouses to traditional leaders from Mwahimba and Mbemba.
Findings of the Action Research revealed that there were a lot of issues which were discussed by these
groups such as condom use, hunger, importance of education, good roads, HIV/AIDS, VCT, small businesses,
gender, portable water, multiple sexual partners etc. The report of the Action Research, recommended
some activities for the Change Agents, such as exchange visits where they could learn from each other,
provide transport to ease mobility in terms of delivering their services3.
5. Reflective Learning Exchange Visits
2 reflective learning exchange visits were conducted for
MAP in GVH Mwandambo and BEHE in GVH
Mwenechilanga. The MAP from Mwahimba, Mbemba
and BEHE from Mwahimba benefitted from these
exchange visits.
Reflective Exchange visits were
purposely meant to strengthen the groups in areas of
planning of activities and implementation, data capturing
which includes success stories/case studies, report writing
and monitoring skills.
During these visits, the change agents had the opportunity
to learn from their counter parts on how best they can
organize themselves. These visits were also a motivating
factor to both the groups to increase their interest and
enthusiasm, wide knowledge and skills sharing. As they
learn from each other they are able to replicate what
Photo: Men As Partners, during exchange visit.
3
Action Research Report will be attached for more information
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their friends are doing into their own areas. For example, in Ngana the MAP learned of a new technology in
farming (conservation farming) which
they adopted and had put it into practice as a way of differentiating the yield from the conventional way of
farming.
A visit made to BEHE in Mwenechilanga, 26 women were in attendance, 5 are the Spouses to traditional
leaders and 21 were the community women who joined the group. The women are therefore expected to
initiate groups of women within their villages where issues that are of concern to them and also the girls can
be addressed. At this meeting, a number of issues came out.
Picture above depicts Spouses to traditional leaders during one of the monthly meetings.
CASE STUDY: THE FATE OF DYNA NAKAMWELA
Dyna is one of the new members in the group of BEHE. After the training, Spouses to the
Traditional leaders went and conducted the briefing within their areas. A number of women
joined and formed groups within their villages. In Village headman Amon 1 under Principle
Group Village headman Mwenechilanga, Cecilia (Spouse) managed to convince other women
who joined the group. At the exchange visit held in Kayerekera, Dyna who happened to be one
of the new comers confessed that she would have not accepted to be inherited to Mr Mtambo if
she had the knowledge of the project of USICA. Dyna is facing a fate of being accused of
practicing witchcraft since her husband died in 2002. This fate is coming as a result of Mrs
Mtambo who is sick and the whole lot is on Dyna whom they claim to be the one causing the
sickness. However, Dyna is appreciating the project which she said has assisted her and helped
her mind set in thinking of going for an HIV test since she did not know the cause of her
husband’s death and that she has learned a lot more especially on how one can contract HIV.
Dyna Nakamwela during one of the meetings
6. Traditional Leaders Training on Gender, Culture, HIV and AIDS
Training was conducted to 20 community leaders. The aim of the training was to sensitive traditional leaders
who are the custodians of cultures, if the project is to achieve its core objectives because addressing
HIV/AIDS prevention cannot be effective without confronting those cultural beliefs and practices that
increase the vulnerability of HIV/AIDS among women and girls in the communities. At the centre of each
activity to modify culture should be the community leaders themselves because they are custodians of
culture while FOCUS should just catalyse the process. It was against this background that the training to
traditional leaders was conducted to impart knowledge and skills among them so that they are able to
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interface with community men on issues of HIV, gender and culture. It was also with this view that these
leaders should provide support to the selected Change agents that are within their areas. When the Change
Agents were chosen, in most of the villages it was observed that they were not given room to perform
because of the reason that them as leaders were not involved. This then, prompted the project team to
conduct a training for the Traditional leaders so that they can give support to the Change Agents within their
villages. This was seen as the only way it could be effective if they themselves have adequate information
on culture, HIV/AIDS and Gender. These leaders were equipped with knowledge and information on ways of
transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS, Gender, Counselling and Culture. The anticipated results were that
these leaders will be convening meetings with the change agents on a quarterly basis to see the progress
done by change agents and at the same time they will be holding meetings to community members and
their fellow leaders to discuss matters related to culture.
Traditional Leaders working on the assignment during the training
7. Conduct Quiz competition on Life Skills
Photo: Primary Sch. pupils during one of the quiz competitions
30 contesters (5 pupils) from the schools of Lulindo, Lusako,
Malungo, Kasoba and Mwimba participated in the quiz
competition (8 boys and 22 girls).
These competition acts as information sharing and at the same
time pupils gain Life skills and also improve on assertiveness
and self-esteem. The quiz competitions were also intended to
build and strengthen the culture of networking and
collaboration amongst the schools. The main objectives of
conducting such competitions in schools were that after the
quiz competitions, pupil’s performance will improve and it will
boost out that desire of wanting to forge ahead with
education. Clubs within their respective schools will continue
with Life Skills activities and that the information and
knowledge will be transferred to other fellows. During these quiz competitions, the pupils and community
members showed curiosity and were inquisitive. At each competition, the winning team went away with a
token of appreciation amounting of MK10, 000.00 and the loosing team got away with MK5, 000.00.
During these competitions, it was evidenced that more pupils were very keen to listen and showed that the
quiz competition really helped them to understand some of issues to do with HIV/AIDS, SRH Gender and
culture. This is a positive result for the project, since misconceptions and peer pressure in primary schools
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among girls and boys will be drastically reduced due to self-assertiveness and self-esteem. Table below
shows the final results of the quiz competition:RESULTS
COMPETING SCHOOLS
Lulindo vs Lusako
SCHOOL
Lulindo
Lusako
Kasoba
Malungo
Chipake
Mwimba
Malungo vs Kasoba
Mwimba vs Chipake
SCORES
37
31
32
28
28
26
8. Annual Review Meeting
An end review meeting was conducted to the
Traditional
leaders,
community
men
and
women, youth, BEHE, MAP, stakeholders from
Health,
Agriculture,
Based
Organization
Education,
and
Community
PLWHIV
in
GVH
Mbemba. After the review meeting, both the
Change Agents will be able to utilize the skills
gained during the meeting. They will be able
to plan, document and implement according
to the plan. These meetings help to refocus on
what was not well done so that they can be replanned and work on the way forward.
Pic: Traditional Leaders during the review meeting
9. Monitoring and Evaluation
6 monitoring visits were conducted. These meetings
are done in order to see the progress made by the
Change Agents. A random interview on one to one
approach as well as group was used in order to see
whether the community had knowledge about the
project of USICA and of the Change agents also
finding out whether the Change Agents deliver
according to what they had learned.
Mr K.B.
Kanyimbo expressed that there has been talks on HIV
and AIDS, condoms and VCT when people are
entertaining themselves at beer halls which they call
Chirabu. These change agents finds advantage in
those gatherings to talk about these issues. He further
described that stigma and discrimination is being
reduced in the villages due to the teachings made by
both MAP and BEHE.
Pic: Esther Munthali-project officer (in blue browse)talking to some change agents during Monitoring visit
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Kanyimbo said previously, when one is said to have HIV, he or she was sidelined by friends or even relatives.
But today according to Kanyimbo said it is no longer an issue but all what is needed is the need to establish
Centres within the reach so that people can have access to HCT and treatment and get assisted like getting
the condoms. For example at Ngisi, people have to travel to Songwe border in order to access the services.
Objective 4: To improved households’ food security and access to income amongst 7,400 households in
Karonga and Chitipa Districts by 2015.
Specific objective 4.1: To increase and diversify food production and availability among 7400 households in
Karonga and Chitipa districts by 2015.
Result 4.1.1: Increased and sustained household crop diversification and yields among 7,400 households.
Activities:
4.1.1.1 Facilitate formation of 70 village seed committees and train them in leadership and seed revolving
scheme.

The aim of the activity was to facilitate village seed committees where members were expected to
be selected by their fellow villagers at village level to provide community direction and leadership as
far as seed management is concerned. The process was to be led by the Village Heads guided by
the Agricultural Extension Development Officers at Sectional level in all the EPA’S. The expected result
of the activity to form about 140 Seed Committee representatives from 70 committees.
i. Selection of Village Development Committees
During the community planning processes that FOCUS conducted in the 3 EPAs of Mpata in Karonga and
Lufita and Mwamkumbwa in Chitipa it was noted that all the tasks and roles of establishment of village seed
banks were to be laid in the hands of Village Development Committees. Basing on this it was difficult for
FOCUS to establish a parallel structure sorely looking on seed multiplication which would benefit the entire
community. In this case there were 14 Development Committees (seed committees) in Lufita EPA under
Ibanda section, 8 development committees (seed committees) in Mwamkumbwa EPA under Kasisi section
and 5 development committees (seed committees) in Mpata EPA under Kasoba section formed. This in total
makes 27 development committees (seed committees) which were established during this reporting period.
Each committee established a village communal garden and were given 10 kg of MZ 309 maize opv seed
variety and 1 bag of NPK and 1 bag UREA fertilizers.
It was agreed that upon proper production of the seeds, the village would be required to pay back to the
EPA after harvesting 20 kg of similar seed, which would be given to the next village beneficiaries in the upcoming growing season. On the same exercise, Soya beans seed was also procured and given to village
under Lifita EPA for a similar purpose of multiplication and pass on to other villages after harvesting. It is
hoped this move shall lead to a sustainable seed bank and in the end achieving a food secure community
at a household level.
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ii.
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Training of seed committees
Mr Chizimbi, AEDC – Mpata, demonstrating maize seed planting (left picture) and a training set-up in (right picture) at Mwafilaso Village in
Karonga District.
The training was arranged in a way that the development committees were trained in the areas of:
i.
Community seed bank management
ii.
Leadership skills
iii.
HIV/AIDS and Gender education
A total of 27 development committees from the 27 villages were trained in all the 3 EPAs. These trainings
were facilitated by the AEDOs and AEDCs in the respective EPAs. The attendance of the members from
these committees was rated very good and impressive. There was expression of appreciation and assurance
that the knowledge gained shall be put into practice by the participants.
During the training, that after being trained only those villages that will show interest to cultivate will get the
seed and plant and it was also agreed with EPA staff that Soya beans, Maize Seed and Fertilizers will go to
villages one at a time. The process of delivering of these Maize seeds, Soya Beans and Fertilizers, delivery
notes were signed at every EPA basing on the quantities required and received. The AEDCs were also given
distribution forms for the villages to sign on after collecting the farm inputs.
4.1.1.2 Procure and distribute composite seed and drought tolerant crops:

The activity was planned in such way, that recommended and acceptable seeds will be procured
and given to the beneficiaries on revolving and will be taken care in terms of repayment which will
later establish 70 village seed banks by the trained village seed committees. The criteria would be
agreed first in terms of who should benefit first and later roll it to others
i.
Procurement and distribution of farm inputs
The project procured 350 kg of ZM 309 OPV maize seed variety which was distributed to all the 27
development committees for multiplication and establishment of village seed banks. In addition to this 70
bags of fertilisers were procured and distributed to the 27 committees plus 4 CBOs and 3 EPAs. 200 kg of soya
beans were also procured and distributed to 14 villages, 1 CBO, 1 Lufita EPA office and 1 Meru Agriculture
Research centre in Lufita EPA in Chitipa.
Soya beans was also distributed only in Lufita EPA because the farmers were almost ready in their gardens
and also the office [FOCUS] managed to find few seeds not enough for the all EPAs. The office also decided
to procure fertilizers for seed multiplication though not stipulated in the budget because moneys were
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disbursed very late to engage farmers into manure making to be used for the growing season. However,
emphasis was made to farmers why we have used fertilizer this year which will not be the case in the
upcoming growing seasons. These development committees are expected to pay back 20 kg of maize seed
to the EPA after harvesting to be given to the next village or another section within the same EPA. This will
assist to alleviate a problem of seed scarcity during the growing season and in the long term it will contribute
to having enough food for consumption and surplus for sale at household level.
The table below, shows the statistics of how the distribution of maize seeds and fertiliser was conducted. See
the farm input distribution list below:
PROCURE AND DISTRIBUTE MAIZE SEEDS AND FERTILIZERS
NO NAME OF E.P.A
NO OF GROUP
QUANTITY
TYPE OF FARM INPUT
BENEFICIARIES
MAIZE
SOYA
FERTILISER
SEED
BEANS
1.
LUFITA
17
170 kg
2.
MWAMKUMBWA
3.
MPATA
10
8
100 kg
500 kg
800 kg
80 kg
P.B
MWENEBANDA
17
1700 kg
200 kg
RECEIVED BY
34
200
10
F.M DANIEL
20
16
P.B MWASE
8
Specific Objective 4.2: To increase awareness on Gender, HIV and AIDS and capacity to prevent and cope
with impacts in the targeted communities by the end of 2015.
Result 4.2.1: Increased income comprehensive knowledge and access to HIV and AIDS preventive services
including HTC among targeted households (community), [men, women, girls and boys].
Activities
4.2.1.1 Establish 2 HTC/PMTCT centres. Procured HCT material, duty kits will be provided to counsellors to
accelerate service delivery at a static site and even during mobile HCT sessions and those tested positive as
well as tested negative will be linked to post test clubs

FOCUS officials had talks with the Chitipa District Hospital AIDS Coordinator, on possibilities of opening
and strengthening some of the already existing HIV Testing Centres in the project catchment areas of
Mwamkumbwa and Lufita. The Coordinator said that there is a centre at Mwamkumbwa going on
though not on daily basis and also without proper and adequate furniture. Then emphasized for the
need of one HTC at Lufita because there is none currently. He promised to provide trained personnel
in the sites once everything is finalized in the project. He further begged FOCUS if it can do so even
beyond the project’s catchment within the District. The FOCUS office is yet to conclude on this to
decide how many HTC sites shall be involved.
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Specific Objective 4.3: . To strengthen the capacity of local governance structures (ADC{4}, VDCs{12}, CBOs
{12} Committees / clubs / cooperatives / associations {80}), partner institutions for them to engage, plan
and effectively manage development initiatives by the end of 2015
Result 4.3.1: Increased capacity of institutions and local governance structures to manage their own
development initiatives in line with decentralisation system.
Activities
4.3.1.1 Facilitate participatory right based situation analysis at 46 village, 8 VDC, and 4 ADC levels.
This process was planned to lead community members into developing village action plans/development
strategies and prioritized trainings that will help them to deliver, monitor and evaluate development services.
Under this core planned activity, the following was the sub-activity that was carried out during this reporting
period.
i.
Community development planning meetings
Mr. Kaunda of Chitipa DADO at Maliko Village in Chitipa emphasizing a point on the importance of having a Development
Committee within a Village.
This exercise was done in all of the 5 villages in Mpata EPA in Karonga, 14 villages at Lufita EPA and 8 villages
at Mwamukumbwa EPA in Chitipa. This gives a total of 27 villages where the exercise took place. In all the 27
villages they managed to develop village development plans and select development committees
responsible for all developmental issues within the village set-up. Before the selection process of
development committees a deliberate gender session was shared to remind them of the importance of
each individual contributions in development work at all levels.
Below is just one of the example of the Village Plan developed in one of the villages facilitated by FOCUS:
MALIKO VILLAGE (CHITIPA)
Date: 12th November, 2010
Attendance: Males 45
Females 56
VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Chairperson: Clever Mwamlima (M)
Vice ; Simon Ng’ambi (M)
Secretary: Winnie Mwangonde (M)
Vice ; Joyce Namshani (F)
Treasurer: Iness Nachisunkha (F)
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Committee Members
1. Metina Namonje (F)
2. Benard Mwanja (M)
3. Stella Nankhonde (F)
4. Racheal Namwayi (F)
5. John Songa 0991682671 0888139717 (M)
6. Jestina Namwayi (F)
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ACTION PLANNING
NO
ACTIVITY
TIME FRAME
RESPONSIBLE
1
Constructing brick and iron sheet houses
On going
Village Development
Committee
2
Intensifying livestock production, goats,
pigs, chickens, pigeons
On going
Village Development
Committee
3
Loan village bank for women needs
training
January 2010
Village Development
Committee
4
Small scale businesses i.e. beer brewing,
hawker, fish selling, baking mandazi,
maize, sweet potatoes, bee farming – for
honey
On going
Village Development
Committee
5
Irrigation farming along Witimba River (
Madimba)
On going
Village Development
Committee
6
Conducting
frequent
development
meeting
Conducting agricultural meeting sessions
On going
Village Development
Committee
Village Development
Committee
They assist friends who do not have
livestock by borrowing them live stocks to
feed and rear in return they get some off
springs.
They have 3 farming clusters where
agricultural technologies are taught
Electing a development committee
Sourcing a bore hole for safe drinking
water
Sourcing an electric transformer for
supplying electricity in the area
Training the newly elected development
committee
On going
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
On going
Village Development
Committee
On going
12/11/ 2010
On going
On going
November 2010
Village Development
Committee
Community Members
V/H and Development
Committee
V/H and Development
Committee
V/H
4.3.1.2 Support 24 networking and result sharing meetings for District CSO and DEC
The project About 24 network meetings with District CSOs and DEC shall be supported which will add value
to the efforts in advocacy. During such events, electronic media shall also help in advocating to draw
awareness to policy makers on improving services. Under this core activity, the following the sub-activity was
carried out.
ii.
Supporting DEC on World Food Day Commemoration.
During this reporting period, under this result area the project managed to render support on a World Food
Commemoration Day held at Lupembe in October 2010. This followed a request for support from all
government departments and NGOs in order to make the event successfully. As an opportunity, FOCUS
mounted a pavilion on nutrition and medicinal herbs for PLWHAs and Chronically ill patients on Home Based
Care (HBC).
FOCUS supported the organisers with 15 crates of soft drinks and 80 printed T- Shirts with the message “
United against Hunger”. The event was organised by the District Agriculture Development Office.
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Other Successes noted in 2010.
The organisation with financial support from Community Based Monitoring (CBM) Project facilitated 15
school based plans for follow up on budget allocation in the education sector. The exercise was conducted
in STA Kalonga in Mbande ADC and managed to develop 15 School Plans basing on the findings during the
exercise. The project used the Community Score card as methodology to assess the targeted schools. Apart
from coming up with 15 School based plans, the organisation also engaged 10 Villages in 2 T/As (Wasambo
and Mwilang’ombe) and Paramount Kyungu in Karonga District where the targeted villages were engaged
in the assessment of Farm Input Subsidy Programme (FISP). The 10 villages came up with Village
Development Plans and proper administration of the subsidy programme and resource mobilisation
During the same period, the organisation facilitated 3 interface meetings with duty bearers to demand
services and lobby duty bearers for improved services (District Council, DEM, officials from Agriculture and
Traditional leaders}. 1 interface meeting was a community based activity and 2 were at the District level. The
interface meetings provided a platform for the community members to express their issues for action. FOCUS
also participated in higher level engagement meetings with legislature to lobby and influence policy
decisions.
Organisational Development
In terms of Organisation Capacity, the report will cover 1 specific outcome:
Outcome 1: Good governance and sound management of the organization promoted.
The Organisation have realized the following as landmarks
Capacity Building
FOCUS staff has benefited in a number of trainings organised by FAIR Malawi, Christian Aid Malawi, Firelight
NSA, NYCOM, CONGOMA and PACT Malawi
 HIV & AIDS Prevention by PACT Malawi,
 Psychosocial Counselling by REPSSI
 Advocacy by Non State Actors (NSA).
 Gender Mainstreaming in HIV/AIDS programmes by NYCOM
 Financial Management organized by Firelight Foundation
 Board workshop for NGO Board of Trustees by Pact Malawi
 Organisation Capacity Assessment by PACT Malawi
 Resource mobilisation by Pact Malawi
 Resource Mobilisation Strategy by Pact Malawi
 Strategic Planning workshop by Pact Malawi and FAIR Malawi
 HIV/AIDS and Gender related policies organised Christian Aid in Zimbabwe
These trainings have greatly assisted staff for the effective delivery of services not only
specific but for an organisation as a whole.
for the project
Networking and Collaboration
FOCUS’ good reputation has been maintained with stakeholders as stated below:
• Elected as Secretary for Local HIV/AIDS NGO Forum in Malawi
• Continued deputising FONYODE nationally
• Continued networking with local as well as international partners e.g. (Tackling Poverty Together
Network which is in 8 African Countries – Uganda, Kenya, Liberia, Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia,
Zimbabwe and Malawi).
• Continued serving in the CONGOMA Governing Council now as a deputy chair
• Partnering with MASHAP. MANERA+ in rolling out the new HIV/AIDS model/approach called SAVE
which in future will be replacing ABC.
Reflection
A clear analysis of the results show that FOCUS’ planned strategies are working.
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Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
We continue to involve both direct and indirect beneficiaries at different levels of the programme’s
hierarchy. Apart from that, the organization intends to strengthen the mid-term evaluations that can inform
the project officers on negative or positive trends the project experiences in the course of implementation so
that appropriate decisions are made to effect the change.
Planning:
Each and every year, FOCUS reflects back on the implemented activities and plan for the up-coming year.
We have continued conducting annual, quarterly and monthly review meetings to assess progress made in
the previous period under review and subsequently plan for the succeeding period. This process involves
stakeholders, community leadership, beneficiaries (both direct and indirect), CBOs and Village Project
Committees.
Monitoring:
We also continued with Programme Monitoring based on the developed Monitoring matrixes for each
specific project. Implementing partners at community level and beneficiaries are visited during monitoring
visits. They provided feedback on specific areas of activity implementation. This assists us to adjust and
redesign project activities so that beneficiary-centred needs could be provided and met. This process has
assisted the programme to realise the above mentioned achievements. We also continued to capture
accurate and consistent statistics for HIV and AIDS in Karonga District for better planning, implementation,
monitoring and evaluation purposes.
Lessons learnt
In the course of activity implementation we have managed to note the following lessons:
 PLWHAs are motivated to join support groups in order to benefit from livestock pass-on system. In
another way this promotes HIV disclosure in communities and reduces the challenge of stigma and
discrimination.
 The community mobilization tool used during the project expansion exercise should be maintained in
every catchment area before the onset of the activity implementation despite its expensiveness
because the tool involves the community members to find solutions to the problems they face in the
communities, which has been seen by the community themselves as good and helping.
 FOCUS devised a mechanism to ensure continued implementation of project activities despite the
late disbursement of funds from resource providers, which positively impacted on the results of the
project activities, since they were implemented according to planned schedules.

Intensification of HIV outreach awareness campaigns on HIV Counselling and Testing created an
environment where most people were free to go for testing and the environment which was HIV/AIDS
stigma free.
Livestock/poultry pass-on system if properly managed can assist to improve ones life. Many families
have testified to have paid school fees for their children and helping them economically at
household level.
 With the free services of ARVs at the hospital, many people are going for HIV testing and joining HIV
support groups once found positive. This has been noted during the HIV Testing outreach activities
figures.
 Sharing of resources with other partners is central in reaching to as many target audience with the
very same few resources
 FOCUS should intensify in monitoring of the activities, to track progress of the project and make
informed decisions on the new strategies on the interventions.
Challenges
In the course of project implementation period we have encountered the following challenges:
 Inconsistence disbursement of requested funds from some other resource providers delayed activity
implementation therefore posing a great threat on achieving the proposed targets and project all
goal/objectives..
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Despite HIV and AIDS messages being disseminated to the masses, issues of early marriages
especially among girls as young as 14 yrs had been increasingly reported i.e. a total of 77 young girls
got married in 2010.
Although the volunteers are committed to offer their services to the community, but they still need to
be given some attractive incentives to encourage them work hard and also convince others to join
in the fight against the pandemic.
There was insufficient provision of technical support visits to functional groups as a result very few
peer educators and their groups were seriously working on projects’ activities in their communities..
The project faced a serious pressure from people living with HIV & AIDS demanding services which
the project didn’t support these groups e.g. providing transport to health centres for ART.
For the effective operation of the Resource Centres, there is need to have trained Resource Centre
promoters and a strong linkage with other stakeholders for example the Ministry of Health (MoH) to
open up youth friendly health services within the catchment area so as to complement peer
educators’ efforts in dissemination of HIV/AIDS and SRH awareness messages.
Clients were not comfortable when they were referred to other government institutions to access
treatment i.e. ART, STI screening and treatment, due to reported discrimination and stigma in those
institutions, thereby would prefer to be treated at the Centre (FOCUS), which in turn came with
serious negative impact, since the Centre can’t provide such services..
Most communities were not aware that Mission hospitals within the catchment area offer free STI
treatment.
Commercial Sex Workers were willing to leave the business if they could be provided with small scale
loans for small enterprise, but the project did not support such calls.
Inadequate supply of male and females condoms. This was a national problem where by even the
Ministry of Health (MoH) experienced erratic supply of condoms in their various hospitals and health
centres and this greatly affected the project to achieve some of the objectives..
Members of support groups who are on ART treatment complained of long distances to collect their
drugs from the District Hospital, hence they spend a lot of money on transportation and other
expenses.
Due to the earthquake that had hit the district in Dec, 2009, the impact of the earthquake was
widely seen in 2010. Communities where FOCUS is working, were not stable and had a lot to do i.e.
restoring their lost goods, rebuilding their cracked houses and so many things. Several community
members were displaced which made some disruptions on the interventions, messages of HIV/AIDS
were not the priority at that time rather than relief items which the community wanted most.
Inadequate knowledge in Herbal processing, utilisation as well as in availability national
guidelines/backup from bodies such as Malawi Poisons Board
Recommendations
The following recommendations are drawn as a result of project implementation and monitoring:
 FOCUS need to organize ART outreach clinics and STI within the project area to accommodate those
who are in hard to reach areas. This could be done in liaison with District Health Officers to support
the initiative through provision of human resource and the drugs.
 There is need to have trained HTC motivators and Resource Centre Promoters that would assist in
mobilizing people to access the services.
 There is need for more support and intensification of community outreach campaigns where services
are brought closer to people for example HTC services to those who are in hard to reach areas.
 There is need also to intensify community awareness and sensitization on the effects of early
marriages/early pregnancies and the importance of a girl child education within the areas where
FOCUS works.
 There is need to intensify field monitoring and supervisory visits, follow-ups to those tested positive for
moral & psychological support on a monthly basis in order to monitor project progress on the ground.
This activity also acts as a motivation factor to the volunteers.
 We need to find our own source and procure condoms, HTC reagents and HTC monthly supplies,
because in the reporting period, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has also experienced erratic supply of
condoms and reagents and this has affected the results of the projects.
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Continued effort by organisation (projects teams) to improve record keeping i.e. PLWHA, CI, pass on
system beneficiaries and other beneficiaries e.g. by developing an organisation databank
(database).
Livelihood programmes should be extended to new project sites as well where new beneficiaries can
be targeted to boost their social and economic status.
FOCUS should continue providing focused awareness messages to these communities so that they
fully understand what HIV and AIDS mean. FOCUS to provide technical support through regular
meetings and supervisions of the church leaders in the project.
FOCUS should establish talks with experts and bodies such as Malawi Poisons Board for way forwar
Annex 1: Case Studies and Photographs
Case Study #1: Problem faced by chronically ill patients in accessing ART.
Photo: Mr. Opex Nyirenda at his house.4
Mr. Opex Nyirenda is one of the members of Lupembe PLWHAs who was found HIV positive after his wife’s
death. He comes from Village Headman Kayuni 1 in Senior GVH Kayuni. He joined the support group where
he benefited a lot of herbal treatment and group therapy rations during his early period of ARV treatment.
He gained strength and became normal that no one could believe he’s HIV positive. But because of
poverty, Nyirenda started facing some challenges like transport to go to the Hospital to collect his ARV
Treatment. At one time in the course of treatment, he stopped his medication for almost three weeks due to
lack of transportation which is about 15 kms from his home village to the District Hospital where he could
collect his ARVs. The problem worsened and his health status was very bad and pathetic. The support group
in collaboration with the family members were supporting him with some food and Home Based Care
services. He just benefited from the goat pass on system from the Lupembe CBO. He was among the needy
in the community, even though other NGO organizations had attended to him still there was a lot more to
be done in order to improve his status.
4
Unfortunately Mr. Opex Nyirenda passed away
just after some months after capturing this story. Let his
Soul Rest In eternal peace (R.I.P).
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FOCUS
Case Study #2: Confronting Cultural practices.
Mr and Mrs Kauka confronting culture
At one of the monthly meeting held at Kabale in GVH Mwangulukulu,
Mr Major Kauka one of the MAP member told of how the project has
impacted his life. Mr Kauka narrated that if he was not exposed in the
MAP activities he would have not taken the initiative to get back his
daughter from Chawanangwa Mbotwa (close to 20 years) who took
her by force into marriage (kupimbira) and sent her back to school.
Culturally, the community where Kauka belong see it as no case as
long as the payment of cattle or its equivalent is offered. Nevertheless,
Kauka looked at culture as an influence that would predispose her
daughter to be at risk of contracting HIV. This made Kauka to confront
culture and hence bringing his daughter back to school that is
currently in form III at Kaporo Day secondary school.
When asked why he managed to take back his daughter, he said that he
wanted his daughter to forge ahead with education so that she should have
a good future. Mr Kauka also said he didn’t see the future of his daughter
because the young man who took his daughter is a drunkard. He further
said that since his involvement in the MAP and the training in HIV/AIDS,
gender and culture that he received opened up his thinking to the extent
that he will not allow his daughter to go into marriage but rather desired that
his daughter finds a job and depend on herself.
Verifying the incident, a 19 year old Catherine admitted to have been
dragged by six men including Chawanangwa who is of her age when she
went to draw water. She said it was not her intention to go into marriage.
She however confessed that she wanted to continue with education.
Catherine is now a happy girl at Kaporo Community Day Secondary school.
ANNEXE A: OXFAM ANNUAL PROJECT REPORT, 2010
i
The Open Society Institute, 10 Reasons to Oppose Criminalization of HIV Transmission or Exposure, available at www.soros.org/health/10reasons
Id.
iii UNDP, UNAIDS, Criminalization of HIV transmission: Policy Brief (Geneva 2008).
iv UNAIDS recommends using existing criminal laws (i.e. assault, criminal negligence) to punish individuals who transmit HIV intentionally to others, rather than
enacting HIV specific offences. See UNAIDS, Criminal Law, Public Health and HIV Transmission: A Policy Options Paper at 32 (2002) available at
data.unaids.org/publications/IRC-pub02/JC733-CriminalLaw_en.pdf; see also UNAIDS, UNAIDS Recommendations for Alternative Language to Some Problematic
Articles in the N’Djamena Legislation on HIV at 11 (2004).
v Malawi Penal Code Article 1:192 creates a minor offence for spreading disease likely to cause death: ‘Any person who unlawfully or negligently does any act
which is and which he knows or has reason to believe to be likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life shall be guilty of a misdemeanour’;
Mpaka, C., Malawi: Police force HIV tests for sex workers, Inter Press Service News Agency (2009), available at http://www.africafiles.org/article.asp?ID=22010#
vi The draft Bill also requires individuals who are charged with a sexual offence and donors of blood and tissues to submit to mandatory testing (Article 19).
vii Mpaka 2009; Christian Aid Study at 18 (for pregnant women), at 23 (for sex workers), at 25 (polygamous unions); WHO, Statement from the Consultation on
Testing and Counselling for HIV Infection at 3-4 (1992) (stating that mandatory testing programmes are expensive, and divert resources from effective prevention
measures).
viii Anand A. et al., Knowledge of HIV status, sexual risk behaviours and contraceptive need among people living with HIV in Kenya and Malawi, AIDS 23: 15651573, (2009), available at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19542867
ix Christian Aid Study at 18-19. According to the most recent data available from the Malawi government, HIV testing was performed on 283,461 individuals in
2004, 482,364 in 2005, and 661,400 in 2006. See Malawi HIV & AIDS Monitoring & Evaluation Report 2007: Follow up to the UN Declaration of Commitment on
HIV & AIDS at 7 (Office of the President & Cabinet). According to a study at Kamuzu Central Hospital (the largest referral hospital in the central region of Malawi),
in 2008-09, HIV testing was offered to more than 27,000 mothers and children utilizing an opt-out strategy, and over 98% of children (i.e. caregivers accepting
testing for their child) and over 96% of mothers have accepted testing. ED McCollum, GA Preidis, MM Kabue, EBM Singogo, C Mwansambo, PN Kazembe, and
MW Kline, Provider Initiated HIV Testing and Counseling: An Inpatient Paediatric Model Utilizing Task Shifting in Lilongwe, Malawi (National Aids Commission
Conference June 2009).
x Christian Aid Study at 19.
xi UNAIDS Malawi Factsheet.
xii
WHO et al 2008; Christian Aid Study at 21.
ii
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