Mozambique HIV/AIDS Action Research Project: Caixas das Muheres de Nampula (CMN) 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 Caixas das Muheres de Nampula (CMN), one of the participating MFIs.

CMN responded to the threat of HIV/AIDS through:

• Providing HIV/AIDS training for both staff and members of CMN
• Research into the level of satisfaction and drop out rates amongst CMN members
• Monitoring of financial ratios