The work of HEARD has not gone unnoticed by its peers in the field of HIV/AIDS. The signing of an agreement between the University of KwaZulu-Natal/HEARD and UNAIDS in July 2004, is acknowledgement of the work that HEARD has done over the last six years as well as its current research focus. The agreement signed accords HEARD a  UNAIDS Collaborating Centre status.
Click here to read about the celebratory launch, held 8 December 2005
UNAIDS defines a Collaborating Centre as a non-UN entity that has been designated by the UNAIDS Secretariat to carry out specific activities in priority areas of the Secretariat or the response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. At present, there are two Collaborating Centres that are in operation. These Collaborating Centres are the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
The duration of these agreements is 3 years and they do not necessarily translate to monetary terms. From the HEARD perspective, the signing of this agreement not only enhances the profile of both the University of KwaZulu Natal and HEARD, it also provides HEARD with an opportunity to develop the capacity of UNAIDS partners particularly in the developing world. The newly acquired status bodes well with HEARD’s strategic focus which is influencing global thinking and action on health and development.
There is an ever-increasing need to develop institutional capacity in the African continent through skills transfer, and the provision of technical assistance to organizations which are implementing interventions aimed at mitigating the spread and impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The agreement offers HEARD an opportunity to strengthen this role in a systemic and profound manner. This will go a long way in ensuring that accumulated experience and tacit knowledge is shared with people and organisations that require it most.
It is envisaged that through this agreement key strategic work may be undertaken such as:
1. pursuance of constructive and robust policy dialogue with the institutions or ministries of developing countries,
2. dissemination of research results,
3. the provision of training as well as technical assistance.
Since the agreement is now in operation, the challenge lies with us to put its effect into action. With HEARD’s current exciting research projects, its capacity development initiatives growing from strength to strength, the mutual understanding is for us to consolidate our work whilst advancing our strategic intent to improve the welfare of people in and beyond Africa.
For more information contact Obed Qulo, HEARD Project Director on tel +27 (0)31 260-2582 or
email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Click here to go to the UNAIDS Website |
