The Strengthening Civil Society for Improved HIV & AIDS and Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Service Delivery in Uganda (SCIPHA) was a 6-year project implemented by a consortium of JCRC and Uganda Health Marketing Group (UHMG). The project was implemented in five regions of Uganda: West Nile, North, Central, Mid-west, and Eastern and covered 19 districts (Moyo, Koboko, Arua, Nebbi, Kalangala, Mpigi, Mityana, Kiboga, Gulu, Lira, Amolatar, Katakwi, Soroti, Tororo, Kabarole, Bundibugyo, Kasese, Hoima, Masindi).
The overall goal was, to improve HIV/AIDS and OVC service delivery in Uganda by increasing access to and utilization of HIV prevention, care, treatment, and support services. Initially designed for 18-months SCIPHA was extended and run for five years.
SCIPHA used the collaborative approach in which the respective expertise of consortium members was leveraged. UHMG led creation of demand for HIV services and products while JCRC coordinated the provision of care, treatment services. The target beneficiaries were members of most at-risk populations (MARPs) who comprised of truckers, fisherfolk, commercial sex workers, people living with HIV and orphans and vulnerable children. SCIPHA worked with district and community structures (Village health teams), Civil Society Organizations, private sector health providers, AIDS coordination committees to the ensure delivery of effective and sustainable HIV service.
SCIPHA strengthened capacities of CSOs and other stakeholders to deliver comprehensive HIV services in addition to supporting CSOs to provide HIV prevention, care, and treatment services, as well as strengthening 38 sub-county health facilities. One key achievement of SCIPHA was the establishment of Mama Clubs, Baba clubs that promoted maternal and child health, Antenatal Care, HIV testing, and family planning. Youth clubs, disability clubs, and children’s clubs were formed to provide peer support and mentorship for key populations. SCIPHA worked with local leaders and communities to address harmful social norms and barriers to HIV prevention and care.
