Bhutan

Programme Acceleration Fund project for HIV/AIDS

Background
Bhutan has demonstrated a strong political commitment to preventing and controlling the spread of HIV. Furthermore, the government’s Ninth Five Year Plan has identified HIV/AIDS and STI prevention and control as one of the most important programs for addressing emerging health issues and promoting better health for women and adolescents in Bhutan.

The National HIV/AIDS Commission consists of 19 members including senior Government representatives from a range of Ministries, as well as other prominent community members. The role of the Commission is to coordinate the common country framework, monitor and supervise HIV/AIDS prevention activities at the national level and provide guidance and policy for the implementation. Considering the broad roles and the need of the National HIV/AIDS Commission, it is of critical importance and a matter of priority to support the capacity building of the commission.

Objectives

Main objectives of the project are to:

• Implement the HIV/AIDS prevention related activities in the country through the development of a national strategic plan of action and timely monitoring of its progress through the development of an M&E framework.

• to strengthen institutional capacity of the National HIV/AIDS Commission in executing its mandated responsibilities and also to contribute towards the development of the National HIV/AIDS Plan of Action and M&E framework

Achievements & expected results

Promotion of HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, particularly among adolescents, youth and commercial sex workers through development of a National Strategic Plan of Action and M&E Framework for HIV/AIDS and strengthening Institutional capacity of the National HIV/AIDS Commission.