ACTION RESEARCH CENTRE….for evidence based programming
RESEARCH & EVALUATION
Training Modules on HIV/AIDS Strategic Information
Developing Comprehensive Training Modules on Strategic Information for the National AIDS Control Program
Donor: World Health Organization (WHO), India (2022)
The National AIDS Control Program (NACP) has reliable and high-quality strategic information (SI) on the HIV/AIDS epidemic; and its analyses and use of data has been one of the success factors in curbing the HIV epidemic in India. At the state level, one or two SI/M&E staff are generally involved in performing all the SI related activities, and other SI functions supporting the implementation of HSS+, BSS/IBBS, estimation exercises, and operations research and evaluation activities. WHO and Action Research Centre are developing comprehensive and integrated training modules on Strategic Information for use by the national as well as state level SI/M&E officers. These SI training modules are focused on the basics of HIV/AIDS, fundamentals of M&E, research, surveillance and estimation, and data management, synthesis, analysis, and use.
Virtually Operating Key Population
Community perspectives on mapping and size estimation of key population in virtual space
Donor: World Health Organization, India (2021)
Key population groups like men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSWs) are known to use mobile phones and internet to access their clients and involve in behaviours with the potential risk of STI/HIV infection. Therefore, understanding the perspectives of key population communities about the nature and extent of use of digital technology to access clients and their risk behaviour was considered important in evolving appropriate methods of mapping and size estimation, and strengthen the existing strategic information system and planning for HIV programmatic response. Thus, the community consultation was conducted among the selected key population members in Mumbai, Thane and the sub-urban areas.
Community dynamics among MSM/Transgender
A formative study to know the opportunities and barriers to involve MSM and transgender men in HIV/AIDS program
Donor: Population Council/IAVI, New Delhi (2009-10)
In collaboration with the Population Council and International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), Action Research Centre conducted a quantitative and qualitative research among Men having Sex with Men (MSM) and Transgender (TG) to assess their social dynamics in the context of involving them in HIV/AIDS prevention program, and know their willingness to take part in vaccine development initiative of IAVI.
Report on MSM and transgender communities: understanding vulnerability and risk to HIV
Evaluation of Girl Child Project
Evaluation of Girl child project on prevention of female feticide in the northern states of India
Agency: FPA, India/Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (2007-08)
With the funding support from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, FPA India implemented a program on prevention of female feticide in the seven northern states of India over three year period. ARC was hired to conduct an end-line evaluation of the program to document outcomes and lessons learnt in preventing female feticide.
Meeting with the community members in Punjab
HIV Stigma and Discrimination
Training of investigators
HIV related stigma and discrimination in Maharashtra
Donor: Avert Society, Mumbai/USAID (2006)
A study was conducted by the Action Research Centre in 2006 using qualitative research approach (Focus Group Discussion and In-Depth Interviews) where respondents from the general population, people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), and Health Care Providers (HCPs) were interviewed in one-on-one situation and groups. ARC implemented the study by involving investigators from the Positive Network of Maharashtra (NMP+). The results were used in strategizing programs for intervention by the Avert Society, Mumbai under the PEPFAR initiative funded by the USAID.
A report on HIV/AIDS –Related Stigma and Discrimination in three districts of Maharashtra
HIV Vaccine Acceptance
A study on potential for consumers’ acceptance of an HIV vaccine, and specific drivers and barriers to acceptance of HIV vaccine
Agency: IMRB International, Mumbai (2005)
A study was conducted among the key population members including female sex workers (FSWs), Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), truck drivers, migrant workers, and HIV sero-discordant couples in order to assess the potential for consumers’ acceptance of an HIV vaccine, and to know the specific drivers and barriers to the acceptance of vaccine. The study was conducted using a central location approach where open-ended semi-structured interviews were conducted among the key population members in Mumbai and Chennai cities. Also the efforts were made to identify and map these groups for providing information and services pertaining to STIs and HIV/AIDS.
