NGO partnership recognized for role in HIV prevention

Kadoi (center) addresses the workshop

Following internal review and NGO recommendations, in March 2005, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) which lends for Japan's large-scale ODA infrastructure projects, added a clause for submitted bids to help curb the spread of HIV/AIDS associated with large civil works in areas where the risk of infection is high.

Parties involved in the Second Mekong International Bridge project, attended a workshop on HIV/AIDS Prevention Programs in Large-scale ODA Infrastructure Projects, in Tokyo on July 5, to share experiences of good practices and the advantages of partnership with NGOs in addressing HIV prevention.

The workshop was hosted by IPPF and JBIC, supported by MOFA whose HIV/AIDS Japan Trust Fund (JTF) has funded IPPF's HIV/AIDS prevention activities worldwide, including the bridge project. JOICFP cooperated as the IPPF Tokyo Liaison Office.

Over 30 representatives from the construction industry, JBIC, MOFA, NGOs, and the media attended the workshop.

IPPF explained that HIV was a global issue relevant to everyone, and what was needed was cross-sectoral response involving political and corporate leadership with community involvement that integrated prevention and care.

The project manager of the bridge's construction spoke about his company's initial response towards HIV prevention, challenges faced in implementing the project, and how they had been overcome by cooperation, especially with the Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand (PPAT).

PPAT explained challenges it faced in linking HIV prevention and construction works, and how it overcame them by introducing the idea of universal precaution for construction workers.

PPAT stressed the importance of increasing awareness of those concerned and encouraging behavior change, and that these could only be possible with participation of workers and the local community, and support from construction companies.

JBIC explained its HIV prevention program and activities, and said that its HIV/AIDS clause was part of its commitment to HIV/AIDS prevention, and it was soliciting understanding and support of loan recipient governments for the clause.

JOICFP

Workshop participants listen to strategies
to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS

Nobuhiro Kadoi, Senior Program Officer, International Program, JOICFP, spoke to the participants about JOICFP's literature research entrusted by JBIC for a Kiev airport development project, and the importance of HIV prevention activities in large-scale infrastructure projects.

Sumie Ishii, Executive Director, JOICFP, who coordinated a panel discussion at the workshop, informed the participants about recommendations NGO groups had made to MOFA, JICA and JBIC regarding HIV/AIDS prevention in large-scale ODA projects, including the importance of partnership with NGOs.

The workshop provided participants, especially those from the construction industry, with an opportunity to recognize the new JBIC policy on HIV/AIDS prevention, and share useful approaches involving all stakeholders in addressing HIV/AIDS in large-scale ODA projects.