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Abstract
Building solidarity & commitment for action through voluntary networks: the Sudanese Experience
A Hussein
Khartoum, Sudan
Issues:It is now over 20 years since the first case of AIDS was discovered, still the epidemic continues to spread globally, most drastically in Sub-Saharan Africa. The community response to HIV/AIDS has become a legacy of action as evident by the increasing involvement of voluntary non-governmental [NGOs] and community - based [CBO] work. Many challenges are facing NGOs and CBOs working in AIDS but major ones are dwindyling resources and rising expectations, both reflecting the importance of networking at all local, national and international levels. Networking is one of the ways NOGs in Sub-Saharan Africa are now learning to operate strategically. In Sudan, though the least affected in the region, a network of NGOs and CBOs working in AIDS/HIV has started operating since 1995 with main objective of building solidarity and commitment for common cause. What has happened during these six years needs to be critically analysed and reviewd.
Description: This essay describes first the basic principles of networking, how networking defined, what are its main characteristics and organizational features and the eight steps recognized to be essential for building and sustaining a network against AIDS/HIV. Based on personal observation and experience & as former secretary of Sudan AIDS Network [SAN] & member of its executive board the author would then analyze SAN's experience against that baseline requirements for effective networking.
Lessons learned:Establishment of a Sudanese voluntary network against AIDS has led to increased awareness about the problem and enhanced commitment for action by the network members.
Recommendations: This experience suggests that more and more voluntary workers and organizations, if not all, should join the network of similar networks & also recommends specific solutions of more effective networking processes.
The XIV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
WePeE6470
Suggested Citation
" A Hussein ,
Building solidarity & commitment for action through voluntary networks: the Sudanese Experience
.
Poster Exhibition:
The XIV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
WePeE6470"
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