2009 Ambassador's HIV Prevention Program

June 25, 2009

The U.S. Embassy is proud to announce the 2009 cycle of the Ambassador's HIV Prevention Program. The Ambassador's HIV Prevention Program is a project of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Global AIDS Program, Caribbean Regional Office, now based in Barbados.

Established in 2002, the program was especially designed for U.S. Ambassadors in the Caribbean countries to support local community initiatives which further the U.S. government's commitment to combat HIV/AIDS in the region. The program's goal is to increase awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic among the Caribbean general population and to strengthen support for the Caribbean regional strategy to combat HIV and AIDS. Funding for the program is approximately US$ 20,000 per year for each Ambassador. To date the U.S. Embassy in Belize has funded 39 initiatives totaling US$ 131,000 (BZ$ 269,000).

Worldwide, HIV/AIDS related stigma and discrimination exists, and has negatively impacted efforts to combat the pandemic; this has reportedly contributed to the spread of HIV. To support existing regional and local plans in addressing and combating HIV/AIDS related stigma and discrimination, CDC's Caribbean Regional Office suggests that projects focus on this issue (HIV/AIDS related Stigma and Discrimination) for the 2009 cycle of the program. Creative, original, and innovative ideas for projects are encouraged.

The U.S. Embassy invites organizations to submit proposals. Organizations that are eligible for funding include community-based organizations (CBOs), local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), faith-based organizations (FBOs) clubs, individuals, and host government.

If your organization wishes to propose a project to receive funding, please keep in mind that the Ambassador's HIV Prevention Program should focus on community-based activities to increase awareness of, and combat, HIV/AIDS, and encourage communities to cooperate in fighting the epidemic. The program funds may be used to support activities in the following broad areas:

• reduction of HIV-related stigma in the local community, in the general population, and in more isolated areas;
• activities enlisting the input and involvement of PLWHAs (People Living with HIV/AIDS);
• improved media coverage of the epidemic, impacted individuals and populations, new HIV programs, and prevention activities in the community;
• promotional activities for the risk reductions and prevention message, voluntary counseling and testing, "knowing your HIV status," and programs such as prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV; and
• other activities that will benefit the affected population and promote greater public awareness and stigma reduction.

Please note that there have been changes in proposal funding guidelines from previous year. The proposal funds may not be used for:

• the purchase of food,
• furniture or equipment purchases (i.e. computers, office equipment and supplies, recreational devices),
• procurement of consumables for treatment or testing programs,
• procurement of antiretroviral drugs,
• large-scale programs requiring more than one-time funding, or
• supplanting existing funding.

Proposals for the 2009 Ambassador's HIV Prevention Program are due to the U.S. Embassy not later than July 6, 2009. To facilitate planning, execution, and reporting within a twelve month period, we suggest proposed project timelines not exceed nine months.

If you have any questions concerning the above guidelines or individual proposals, please call 501-822-4011 ext. 4308 or send an e-mail to embelize@state.gov.