A Program of CIFAL Atlanta
Hosted by Emory Rollins School of Public Health
Atlanta, GA, June 19-23, 2005
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Session 1: Discussion about Self Assessment Process in Cities

Delegations: Port au Prince, San Francisco, Denver, Houston

Haiti:

Good experience, it was the first time they sat down as a city to discuss this issue, but their invitation arrived late, so they were rushed. They invited 25 people, and 20 attended. Participants included staff from the municipality, some private sector, market representative, manager of hotels, some local community leaders. They will try to have first activity on awareness on HIV/AIDS. In their community, the population is young, important to educate them. Overall, they are in steps one or two. Achieved the engagement of leaders to participate and invest into the fight against HIV/AIDS. Through this process they learned that there are organizations that are working in AIDS and it is important to include them in these types of process. 

Tabarre created in 2000. Two phenomena impacting AIDS: migration into Tabarre (due to violence in Port au Prince) & emergence of sex workers in Tabarre. The municipality has a spectrum of both rich and poor. Every 2 years they survey pregnant women, of which 3.1% were found with HIV/AIDS which has improved from 5% 2 years previously.

Difficulties were in constructing the weaver and stair diagram. Also, they would like to have more time for preparation in the next time they will prepare for this project.

Heterosexual phenomenon is, particularly, the younger generation (15-20). Want to target young people from 12-25.

1- Linking prevention and care: providing basic knowledge

2- Mobilizing resources

3- Ways of working: mobilize strengths

Denver:

Also, have very little time to accomplish the self assessment. Rated mostly 3s and 4s. In the future, this is not a process they want to rush through because of the political and emotionally charged nature of the issues, and therefore need more time. Particularly unclear on what is meant by Identify and Address Vulnerability. Next time would involve more of the community (including business & public health & political), bring in an outside facilitator, and give more time to this process. However, anytime there is a self assessment, there is potential for something positive.

Problem areas in the linkage of care and prevention. Two thirds of those being treated are in the most marginalized sectors: homeless, drug abusers,

            1- Acknowledgement

            2- Linking care and prevention

            3- Adapting response

Houston:

Wanted to involve the municipal government, but due to time it didn’t happen. Because of the little time, was unable to have a ‘group’ assessment. However, the framework seems to be a useful tool. MSM still account for 50% of new infections, although rising quickly in African American women.

1- Linking care with prevention

2- Ways of working

3- Identifying and Addressing Vulnerability 

San Francisco:

Received info 2 weeks ago, therefore didn’t have anytime to do anything. Sat in mayor’s office. In the future, would suggest sending the materials to a health department or NGO, not the mayor’s office. If they would have had the time, there would have been several involved (San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin County). Would have begun with the Planning Councils which represent several areas. Although in SF AIDS health and prevention is very political and emotional. Gay men and MSM are still most at risk in SF. Lack of trust from medical providers and the belief there isn’t enough resources for care of the disease.