Mozambique HIV/AIDS Action Research Project: Ophavela 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 Ophavela, one of the participating MFIs.

Ophavela responded to the threat of HIV/AIDS through:

• Focus group discussions conducted to understand the impacts of HIV/AIDS amongst group members
• Designing a strategy to confront HIV/AIDS for all beneficiaries associated with the program.