Mozambique HIV/AIDS Action Research Project: Banco Oportunidade (BOM) Presentation

In 2005-06, USAID and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) partnered to fund an action research project that provided HIV/AIDS technical assistance to four MFIs operating in areas of high HIV prevalence in Mozambique. Over eight months, the MFIs received training on how to mitigate the impacts of HIV/AIDS on their institutions, the equivalent of 10 days of technical assistance from professional microfinance consultants, and a limited amount of funding for the activities and services carried out under their HIV/AIDS Action Plans.

As a condition of receiving assistance, the MFIs agreed to share their experiences with the larger community concerned with the mitigation of HIV/AIDS in Mozambique. This presentation describes the specific objectives, action plans, and lessons learned by Banco Oportunidade (BOM), one of the participating MFIs.

BOM responded to the threat of HIV/AIDS through:

• Continuing to provide HIV/AIDS sensibilization training, in partnership with Health Alliance International, to staff and clients at all branches.
• Design and delivery of an impact study for the HIV/AIDS training held in Sofala, Manica and Zambezia provinces.