Role of ICTs in HIV/AIDS initiatives

"There is a need to develop content, updating the information constantly, deliver it to the people in a language they can understand, and make it easily accessible.....ICT can well provide the needed solution." R. Sweety Prem Kumar A number of civil society organizations have been successfully harnessing the potential of Information & Communication Technologies (ICTs). OneWorld is one such organisation. OneWorld, through its ICT tools like Open Knowledge Networking (OKN) and Dgroups can address the various issues governing HIV/AIDS communication, effectively and for different target groups. A sample of the technologies and capabilities available is given in the box below. These tools can be used to draw attention to the following issues on HIV/AIDs at different levels and between various stakeholders. policy and political commitment research: social-economic & sociocultural factors impact on economy change in attitude towards sexual behaviour awareness among different segments & social mobilisation stigma and fear among society and medical profession: Does stigma arise out of fear of infection or contempt leading to discrimination? Is it fear of an infectious disease that cannot be cured, but death is certain? Or, fear of discrimination? testing & treatment health infrastructure available resources and funding comprehensive HIV prevention to scale opportunistic infections & poverty collaboration and networking – NGOs, public-private participation, etc. target to achieve within specific time frame OneWorld’s communication tools will also be effective in dealing with FAQs about HIV and AIDS. AIDS is a fast- spreading disease, and basic information about HIV and AIDS is constantly updated. Information can be provided/exchanged on the following areas: general information about HIV and AIDS transmission prevention care testing my t hs Now there is a need to develop content, updating the information constantly, deliver it to the people in a language they can understand, and make it easily accessible. This becomes increasingly possible with the availability of communication tools. Considering the speed of spread of the disease and limitations on the financial and human resources fronts, ICT can well provide the needed solution.     Communication focus areas Communication between Communication tool Policy, advocacy Government/Government Departments and NGOs/Communities OKN in different languages Dgroups for professional exchange of views Email groups for quick communication Sharing experience NGOs/CSOs and NGOs/CSOs Dgroups Information content NGOs and communities Government and Communities OKN in different languages Content sharing NGOs/CSOs and NGOs/CSOs and communities Dgroups OKN Content development Government and NGOs NGOs/CSOs and NGOs/CSOs Networking through Dgroups Email groups Technical/medical information Doctors and doctors NGOs and doctors Dgroups Disease surveillance and monitoring Governments and NGOs NGOs and NGOs Governments/NGOs and communities Dgroups Email groups Cost effectiveness Speed Reach All stakeholders OKN and Dgroups Capacity development All stakeholders Orientation/training in OKN and Dgroups Author: R. Sweety Prem Kumar is Senior Advisor to OneWorld South Asia.

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