FY15-16 Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program: Tanzania HIV Seroprevalence and Behavioral Epidemiology Risk Survey (SABERS)
Abstract
RTI International will conduct a 2-year implementation plan working in collaboration with the Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP) team, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), and the Tanzania People’s Defense Force (TPDF) leadership to design and implement a SABERS program that informs TPDF HIV/AIDS policy and provides targeted training for capacity building in strategic information. The project aims to accomplish the following objectives: ■ Provide technical assistance and training to design and implement a SABERS study to include approximately 3,000 participants at multiple sites within the TPDF. ■ Support the development of protocols and Institutional Review Board documentation, adapt an HIV behavioral risk surveillance questionnaire, and develop data collection training and management tools using appropriate technology. ■ Procure data collection supplies and testing materials and reagents for collection and testing of biological samples and provide technical and logistical support for field implementation. ■ Facilitate the dissemination of findings to inform TPDF policy for improving prevention, care, and treatment. This effort will significantly contribute to the capacity of the TPDF to assess trends in HIV prevalence, changes in behavioral risk factors, and outreach to family members and community members living near TPDF bases. RTI will work in close collaboration with DHAPP, WRAIR, and the TPDF to make an informed and appropriate selection for the SABERS design and implementation strategy, including data collection technology. Data collection will include either computer-assisted personal interview or audio computer-assisted self-interview. All tasks for training and skills development will take into consideration the most appropriate methodology to support local capacity building for seroprevalence and behavioral risk surveillance and to strengthen the prevention, care, and treatment program of the TPDF. RTI will facilitate project management with DHAPP and the TPDF by holding regular conference calls and generating minutes for teleconference meetings. RTI will communicate on a regular basis via various methods, including e-mail, conference calls, instant messaging, and in-person meetings. In addition, RTI has an office in Dar es Salam, Tanzania, that can be called on to provide support for addressing emergent field concerns. RTI’s team will be led by seasoned SABERS staff including Ms. Lauren Courtney as Project Director, Ms. Tonya Farris as Project Manager, and Ms. Anne-Lyne McCalla as Operations Manager.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 25, 2016
- Source ID
- N002441610019
Entities
People
- Lauren Courtney
Organizations
- RTI International
- United States Department of Defense