Rockville, Md. – Namibia is within reach of its goal of 80 percent voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) coverage as part of a national strategy to control the HIV epidemic. To reach an additional 250,000 boys and men in rural and urban areas, the U.S. Agency for International Development awarded an Abt Global-led team the $33.5 million, five-year Scaling up Access for Expanded Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Services (SAFE) Activity contract. The team will provide a comprehensive VMMC service package tailored to the unique characteristics and challenges of each targeted region.
The Abt Global team, which includes the Centre for HIV and AIDS Prevention Studies, Community Media Trust, Health Information Systems Programme - Namibia and Kondjeni Youth Enterprise Project, will deliver:
- Increased uptake of VMMC services through private and public health providers
- Rigorous quality assurance/quality improvement support to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), regional and district units and VMMC facilities and providers
- Technical assistance to MoHSS national, regional and district managers
- Demand creation messages and activities
“Voluntary male circumcision is a key part of Namibia’s strategy for combating HIV,” says Jay L. Knott, Abt’s Chief Business Officer. “Abt Global is honored to implement SAFE, a USAID-financed project, to help Namibians protect themselves and their families from HIV/AIDS.”
About Abt Global
Abt Global is an engine for social impact, dedicated to moving people from vulnerability to security. Harnessing the power of data and our experts’ insights, we provide research, consulting and technical services globally in the areas of health, environmental and social policy, technology and international development. http://www.abtglobal.com
Contact:
Stan Crock
stan_crock@abtassoc.com
(301) 347-5402