About
Mission Statement:
To provide coordinated leadership in prevention of HIV infections among Most At-Risk Populations (MARPs) through evidence-based advocacy and capacity building.
Problem Statement:
Although there have been a number of activities in Uganda to address the issues of those most-at-risk, there is a need for leadership to harmonize information and efforts, as well as disseminate best practices and coordinate advocacy activities, emerging issues among organizations working with MARPs. Without a strong coordination mechanism, there is a gap in capacity within organizations best suited to address the issues and challenges faced by populations most-at-risk of acquiring HIV.
Proposed Outcomes:
The MARPs Network is not an implementing agency and relies heavily on its member organizations to identify advocacy issues for the MARPs cause. The Network works to provide necessary leadership to promote a supportive environment that offers friendly and accessible services through training; documentation, and dissemination of effective evidence-based programs, contributing to the overall goal of reduction of new infections among MARPs by 40% by 2012.
Objectives:
MARPs Network is in the process of positioning ourselves to take the lead in the response to address emerging challenges faced by most-at-risk populations in Uganda through the following Strategic Objectives: Advocacy for issues regarding these highly stigmatized populations, including accessibility to HIV services; Knowledge management to collect available information to provide evidence-based guidance on interventions; Documentation of best practices to disseminate and replicate effective programming; Coordination of activities among MARPs Network members through technical working groups, exchange visits, mentor- and apprenticeships to share challenges on advocacy, capacity and knowledge gaps in order to identify solutions; and, Capacity building to strengthen the MARPs Network Secretariat and all member organizations.
Target Population:
Based on the Modes of Transmission Study, 2008, the most-at-risk populations in Uganda have been identified as bridging populations in the transmission of HIV. The MARPs Network targets populations by working with organizations who serve the following within our communities: Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs) and their clients; mobile populations such as uniformed services; long distance truckers; fisher folk; Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs); and, individuals in long-term sexual union.
- Market place in Uganda
Photo courtesy Hewlett Foundation (Creative Commons)
Organizational Structure:
The Most At-Risk Populations (MARPs) Network is a consortium of organizations registered in the Republic of Uganda as a company limited by guarantee. It is a 12 member organization subject to the provisions of the approved Constitution. Each member organization serves a particular Most At-Risk Population group. Organizations represent the public and private sector. MARPs Network activities are coordinated by the National Secretariat, led by an Executive Director who is appointed and supervised by a Board of Directors, duly elected by the Annual General Assembly.
Networking Model: