Ei-iE

Odete Cossa recently joined WHO/AFRO and will liaise with the EFAIDS Programme in sub-Saharan Africa. She provides us with an insight into her work and her perspective of the EFAIDS partnership.

1. What are the main aspects of your work with the EFAIDS programme?

I work on the coordination of the school-based activities and on monitoring the role of WHO country offices in activities implemented under the EFAIDS Programme. I participate in the training of trainers and together with EI and EDC I facilitate sessions related to the use of the Teachers’ Exercise Book for HIV Prevention.

I take part in regional planning workshops aimed at reviewing programme goals, sharing experiences and planning for the coming year, streamlining programme implementation and providing technical support.

To facilitate WHO’s role in the EFAIDS Programme I am in regular contact with Health Information and Promotion Officers from WHO Country Offices to ensure they follow-up the implementation of the EFAIDS programme at country level and are maintaining regular contact with EFAIDS coordinators.

WHO’s approach to health education emphasises six aspects, commonly referred to as risky behaviours. Based on lessons from the EFAIDS Programme and our partnership with EI, my job is to integrate this approach into the EFAIDS Programme.

2. What do you see as the benefits of the partnership between trade unions and the WHO?

Trade unions tend to be very well structured and organised movements. Their nationwide coverage gives them the potential to reach out to three big target groups - learners, teachers, parents, as well as the community at large. Unions offer this unique opportunity and play a catalytic role as change agents.

WHO work in Health Promotion using the school setting to develop programmes and activities related to risky behaviours can be fulfilled through this partnership. WHO has learned many lessons from this partnership which could be expanded to embrace other likeminded organisations and address HIV and AIDS in other workplaces.

The cascade model used by trade unions enables the rapid dissemination of messages. Skills are imparted to as many people as possible and have proven to be effective.

Trade Unions, who have a history of working mainly with the Education sector, have now added an additional source of information and expertise – the Ministry of Health. This partnership could be extended to cater for other aspects of school health which the unions could embrace in the near future.

3. How can the EFAIDS programme maximise support from Ministries of Health and Education at the local level?

The EFAIDS programme, specifically EFAIDS coordinators, have to establish and maintain close working relationships with WHO Country Offices, through the Health Information and Promotion Officers. WHO has direct access to Ministries of Health and Education. There are many initiatives being implemented by these two Ministries in the area of HIV/AIDS which can directly benefit the EFAIDS programme. It is crucial that the EFAIDS programme connects with other HIV/AIDS programmes.