Project profile — Strengthening the Regional AIDS Training Network (RATN) in Eastern and Southern Africa - II (1)

By creating a network of training institutions, the Regional AIDS Training Network (RATN) aims to improve the quality of HIV/AIDS training in Eastern and Southern Africa. RATN also aims to increase access to, and demand for, HIV/AIDS training in order to strengthen the ability of communities to respond effectively to the pandemic. The project supports a sustainable and functioning regional network of training institutions that are working to reduce the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS and their impact on communities. RATN functions as a secretariat to its member institutions (29 member institutions in 10 countries in 2010). It works with its members to develop and adapt short-term skills-upgrading courses for mid-level STI and HIV/AIDS workers, trainers, program managers, and senior policy makers. Courses are delivered by the member institutions. RATN's activities are guided by a strategic plan approved by its Board of Directors that focuses on the consolidation of systems and structures to increase HIV/AIDS capacity building, training, networking, advocacy, and information-sharing activities in the region. Canada's funding, which is pooled with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and Irish Aid, concentrates on activities that build RATN's capacity in areas such as Board of Directors governance, staff development and training, and financial management and procurement. This is one of two parts of the project Strengthening the Regional AIDS Training Network (RATN) in Eastern and Southern Africa - II, which has a total budget of $9.25 million.

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Results as of March 2012: Regional AIDS Training Network (RATN) grew its curriculum from 23 courses in 2008 to 40 courses in 2011. The INSTANT Programme accounts for the sharp increase in RATN training courses and number of participants from a projection of 500 alumni to about 1,700 (i.e., about 300% growth in RATN alumni per year). Since 2009, RATN has trained 3,300 persons in East and Southern Africa on HIV prevention, treatment care and support, impact mitigation or institutional development. This was achieved through the delivery of 124 courses offered by the 33 RATN member institutions either through their regular courses or through the INSTANT Program. The membership of RATN has also grown from 24 Member Institutions in nine countries in 2009 up to 33 Member Institutions in 11 countries in 2011. The combined increases in courses offered, participants, and membership are strong indications of the reputation and relevance of RATN in the region. This project is one of two parts of a $9.25 million contribution. It has been divided for administrative reasons.