When Is A Computer Said To Be Reliable

Keys to improving the planning of strategies

Representatives of the Strategy and Plan of Action on AIDS World Bank presented the objectives of this program and developed some key points to strengthen civil society participation in proposal development and definition of unit costs.

Rosalía Rodríguez García, Manager of the Strategy and Plan of Action on AIDS (ASAP, for its acronym in English) with Eric Gallard, who works in planning of this strategy for Haiti, presented the benefits of this program, promoted by UNAIDS and managed by the World Bank. What he seeks is to provide civil society training and tools necessary to ensure that strategies are based on actual results of work done by each sector.

"As soon as possible" mean in English that stands for this program and that is precisely what you intended. "It was created to respond strategically to the epidemic and that resources are used efficiently," said Rodríguez García. This is not a funding program because it does not make direct cash subsidies. What they offer is service, generating capabilities and development tools.

"Often community sector activities not included in the budget. We do not know what the real costs, so there are many estimates, "said Rodríguez García. "International organizations do not know how much is spent on community interventions, such information is with you," he added, so the objective of this strategy is to involve civil society at all times of the processes.

For his part, Eric Gallard explained in detail how to estimate the unit costs of community interventions by members of the networks and organizations, including direct and indirect costs. In many cases this work is not properly reflected in the budget, so the purpose of this strategy is that each sector is capable of showing the actual expenditures made by sectors, and estimates do not end up hurting them in general.

The civil society representatives attended the workshop recognized this weakness, and so we asked those responsible for the strategy to inform the network of organizations and movements and that this communication process is not only the national programs of each country.

Mirta Ruiz - Alejandro Ruffo

Key Correspondent Team - Asunción 12/11/2009