The HIV/AIDS Total Management Model (ATOMM) is gaining support by program managers in Africa, especially those who have participated in JOICFP-supported regional activities. ATOMM emphasizes synergy among HIV/AIDS interventions and reproductive health (RH) ones. At present, services and activities such as IEC/BCC for HIV prevention, voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), antiretroviral treatment (ART), STI management, home-based care, and condom distribution operate independently of each other, creating inefficiencies, mainly due to the lack of appropriate linking mechanisms.

From 20th May to 11th June, Nobuhiro Kadoi, Senior Program Officer, International Program, JOICFP, visited Tanzania, Zambia and Ghana to discuss operationalization of ATOMM.

In Tanzania, Kadoi directed narration for a recording of the picture drama story Endless Goodbye, in collaboration with the Family Planning Association of Tanzania (UMATI). The digital data of the picture drama is also planned to be used in media such as postcards and picture storybooks; an example of a 'one source, multi-solution' approach.

Zambia

The WHO 3 by 5 Initiative plans to provide 3 million people in developing countries living with HIV/AIDS with antiretroviral (ARV) drugs by 2005. Under this initiative in Zambia, the government has made a commitment to provide ARV drugs to 100,000 people by the end of 2005, but the lack of supporting BCC/advocacy activities to promote ARV treatment and alleviate stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS means that uptake is slow. In a meeting with health providers at all levels, Kadoi sensitized the participants to the advantages of ATOMM.

JOICFP has received funding from the Foundation for International Development and Relief, a Japanese organization, to strengthen the HIV/AIDS component of its community-operated reproductive health (CoRH) project in Zambia in collaboration with the Planned Parenthood Association of Zambia (PPAZ). This is the first time JOICFP has received funding from the foundation, and JOICFP is involving other concerned parties such as District Health Management Teams and the Provincial Health Office from the planning stage.

Ghana

In 2003, the integrated project in the central region was handed over to the Ghana Health Service, and it is now being replicated in Ahafo Ano South District as a CoRH project in collaboration with the Planed Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG). This site was chosen as two years ago advocacy testing on the District Assembly and administrators was favorably received.

At the district, Kadoi discussed the need to link RH activities with HIV/AIDS activities, the responsibility needed by the District Health Management Team (DHMT) to sustain project activities, and the selection of the most suitable areas within the district to carry out activities.

A full description of ATOMM is available here as a PDF download.

Kadoi explains to Dr. Mijere, Copperbelt Provincial Health Director, Lufwanyama and Masaiti DHMT in Zambia the benefits of ATOMM

A community-based service agent trained by PPAG uses The Endless Goodbye for behavior change