The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of healthcare systems worldwide, particularly in the Caribbean region. It has highlighted the need for a more resilient and responsive approach to public health, one that prioritizes primary healthcare and health prevention. As countries in the Caribbean seek to build back better, reinvesting in community health workers (CHWs) presents a vital strategy for strengthening healthcare systems and improving health outcomes.

Community health workers (CHWs) often live in the community they serve and may often receive lower levels of formal education and training than professional health care workers such as nurses and doctors. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2021), This human resource group has enormous potential to expand the reach of the public health system especially benefitting vulnerable populations such as rural, remote, or hard-to-reach communities and marginalized people. CHWs are often impacted by the said challenges themselves and know the language, culture, and dynamics of the communities they engage which improves the performance, efficacy, and efficiency of the health system. In the Caribbean, CHWs have played a crucial role in improving access to healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved areas (Jeet et al., 2017)

At Uwàmìto Consulting, we have witnessed firsthand the impact of investing in CHWs. Through our technical assistance and capacity-building efforts, we have supported clients in Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname to strengthen their CHW programs. In Trinidad and Tobago, we engaged stakeholders, conducted community pilots, and trained individuals to implement Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) methodologies, reaching over 2,000 people with health services. In Suriname, we provided technical assistance to develop and implement a Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) system to improve the quality and accessibility of HIV services.

The evidence supporting the effectiveness of CHWs in improving health outcomes is compelling. A systematic review by Scott et al. (2018) found that CHW interventions led to significant improvements in maternal and child health, infectious diseases, and non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries. Another study by Kangovi et al. (2020) found that a CHW program in the United States reduced hospital readmissions and improved patient satisfaction.

Investing in CHWs also makes economic sense. A study by Seidman and Atun (2017) estimated that scaling up CHW programs in sub-Saharan Africa could yield a return on investment of up to 10:1, with significant savings in healthcare costs and increased economic productivity. In the Caribbean, where many countries face resource constraints and increasing healthcare costs, investing in CHWs can be a cost-effective strategy for improving health outcomes.

To fully realize the potential of CHWs in strengthening Caribbean healthcare systems, there is a need for increased investment and policy support. This includes:

1. Providing comprehensive training and certification programs for CHWs, covering a wide range of healthcare topics and skills.

2. Integrating CHWs into the formal healthcare system, with clear roles and responsibilities, adequate compensation, and opportunities for career advancement.

3. Allocating sufficient resources for CHW programs, including funding for salaries, training, and equipment.

4. Developing partnerships between CHWs, healthcare facilities, and community organizations to improve coordination and referral systems.

5. Investing in research and evaluation to better understand the impact and effectiveness of CHW programs in the Caribbean context.

Countries in the Caribbean that already have CHW programs can benefit from a boost in investment and policy support. For countries without CHW programs, there is an opportunity to learn from the experiences of other countries and invest in this vital workforce. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of building resilient and responsive healthcare systems, and CHWs are a critical part of the solution.

At Uwàmìto Consulting, we are committed to social development, and having a strong health system is a critical element for development in the Caribbean. Through the technical assistance, we continue to see the importance of primary health care, and more importantly, the role CHWs can play in strengthening the overall health system. We therefore call on all governments, key stakeholders, and development partners to prioritize investments in this important strategy to improve the resilience and sustainability needed to secure the future of the Caribbean.

References:

• Kangovi, S., Mitra, N., Norton, L., Harte, R., Zhao, X., Carter, T., Grande, D., and Long, J.A., 2020. Effect of community health worker support on clinical outcomes of low-income patients across primary care facilities: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Internal Medicine, 180(10), pp.1315-1324.

• Kraef, C., Kallestrup, P., Olsen, M.H., and Bjerregaard, P., 2020. Community health workers in the era of COVID-19: A systematic review. Tropical Medicine & International Health, 25(11), pp.1327-1336.

• Scott, K., Beckham, S.W., Gross, M., Pariyo, G., Rao, K.D., Cometto, G., and Perry, H.B., 2018. What do we know about community-based health worker programs? A systematic review of existing reviews on community health workers. Human Resources for Health, 16(1), pp.1-17.

• Seidman, G., and Atun, R., 2017. Does task shifting yield cost savings and improve efficiency for health systems? A systematic review of evidence from low-income and middle-income countries. Human Resources for Health, 15(1), pp.1-13.

• Jeet, G., Thakur, J.S., Prinja, S. and Singh, M., 2017. Community health workers for non-communicable diseases prevention and control in developing countries: Evidence and implications. PLOS ONE, 12(7), p.e0180640. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0180640

As a social development organization, demonstrating clear outcomes is key for improving programs, securing funding, and sharing your impact story. Social development programs often start from a good place.

In my years of doing development work, this area continues to be challenging for program implementers regardless of their size, length of time in operation, their systems, or even their team’s technical acumen and experience. I have also had positive experiences. Some entities are exceptionally good with their impact reporting because they understand why showing positive transitions, articulating negative experiences as lessons learned, or engaging with their target audiences matter. In this piece, I am sharing three simple research-backed steps to easily evaluate and showcase the impact of your programs and achievements.

1. Pre and Post Assessments - Pre- and post-assessments can involve using surveys to quantitatively measure changes before and after a program. For literacy programs, you could have participants self-assess reading skills on a 1-5 scale before starting and take the same survey after completing the program. Compare averages to show growth. Now if you show negative changes, it might be an opportunity for you to understand the ‘whys’ and if you make an effort to genuinely engage, you will position yourself to improve.

   For low-literate audiences, you can use visual scales with symbols like stars or thumbs up/down. Ask participants or volunteers to fill out the surveys for those unable to self-report. For virtual programs, send web-based polls or SMS surveys. Completion rates can be another metric you can to track.

2. Interviews and Focus Groups - Hearing directly from program participants provides qualitative insights into outcomes. Schedule phone or in-person interviews to get feedback. Ask open-ended questions like "What changes have you noticed in yourself after completing the program?"

   For low-resource areas, recruit local volunteers to conduct interviews. Provide questionnaires with prompts like "Describe a new skill you have gained." For virtual settings, use free conferencing tools to hold focus groups. Have participants reflect on accomplishments, challenges and you can also allow them to share innovative ideas for improvement.

3. Participant Journals - Journals encourage ongoing reflection during a program. Provide notebooks and encourage brief daily entries on lessons learned, growth, and future goals. Review journals to find common themes on outcomes.

   In low-literate settings, use visual journals with drawings or dictation to volunteers. For virtual programs, set up private blogs or discussion boards to capture reflections. Do a weekly review of entries to identify trends.

   Proactively using these simple steps and ideas which can be tailored to you will allow you to demonstrate impact while continuously improving programs. Let robust research tell your story of meaningful change.

   At Uwàmìto Consulting, we understand this interesting terrain of social development, we continue to tailor impact measurement strategies to suit diverse audiences, sectors (public health, renewable energy, social enterprise), and settings. If you're seeking simple and implementable ways to improve your organization's ability to demonstrate impact, we're here to help. Reach out to us, and let's embark on a journey of meaningful change together.

   With some adjustments to tools based on audience and setting, any organization can easily do this. Demonstrating impact will strengthen your profile.

“A gambit is a strategic move used in chess where a player sacrifices a piece to gain an advantage..”

— Unknown

In the pursuit of success and personal growth, one key element often overlooked is the power of a positive attitude. It's not just a cliché; it's a game-changer that can transform your life. A positive attitude is like a secret gambit, enabling you to overcome obstacles, find encouragement, enjoy life, and leave the past behind. In this blog, we will explore five simple tips that will guide you on the path to adopting a positive mindset.

So, what is a gambit? A gambit is a strategic move used in chess where a player sacrifices a piece to gain an advantage. In a broader sense, a gambit can be any calculated risk taken in order to achieve a desired outcome. Applying the concept of having a positive attitude to a gambit can result in improved outcomes. When we approach a risky situation with a positive attitude, we are more likely to see opportunities where others may only see obstacles. This can lead to creative and innovative or ideas solutions that would not have been possible with a negative or defeatist attitude. By taking calculated risks with a positive attitude, we can increase our chances of success in both our personal and professional lives.

So, let's delve into the art of embracing positivity and unlocking your true potential.

1. Feed your mind with positive thoughts or be mindful of your thinking

Feeding our minds with positive thoughts is crucial for staying motivated and driven toward achieving our goals. One way to do this is by practicing daily affirmations. These are positive statements that affirm our positive traits, strengths, and capabilities. Another way is through reading positive literature such as self-help books, biographies, and motivational speeches. Additionally, surrounding ourselves with positive people who uplift and support us can also contribute to our mental well-being. Being intentional about our thought patterns and actively replacing negative thoughts with positive ones can make a significant impact on our overall mindset.

2. Surround yourself with someone or people who encourage you

Surrounding yourself with supportive individuals can make a world of difference. Seek out mentors, friends, or colleagues who inspire and motivate you. Share your goals and aspirations with them, and let their encouragement fuel your drive. When facing setbacks or doubts, their unwavering belief in your abilities will help you maintain a positive outlook. Together, you can conquer hurdles and celebrate achievements, fostering an environment conducive to growth. There is the saying ‘No man is an island’ or ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ these two sayings remind us that we are all interconnected and having the right people in your corner makes an enormous difference. 

3. Challenge yourself to do despite failures and setbacks

Challenging yourself to do what is needed, trying new ideas, and innovating can be a daunting task. It requires a lot of courage and determination, and one must be willing to embrace failure and setbacks. But taking these challenges head-on can have a remarkable effect on one's self-confidence and attitude. By stepping out of one's comfort zone and trying new things, you can unlock new abilities and talents that you never knew you possessed, which in turn, can boost your self-esteem. And even if you fail, the lessons learned from those failures can refine your ideas and give you a fresh perspective on things. This newfound self-confidence will empower you to tackle even greater challenges, and with each success, your attitude and outlook on life will improve.

4. Asking for help

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength and resilience. It is important to understand that we all have different strengths and weaknesses, and sometimes seeking assistance can lead to new opportunities for growth and development. When we ask for help, we open ourselves up to new perspectives and ideas. This can help us make better decisions and find solutions to complex problems. Having a positive attitude towards asking for help can make it easier to reach out to others, as it helps to remove the fear of judgment or appearing inferior. It also creates a culture of openness and collaboration, which can lead to increased productivity and a stronger sense of community. Ultimately, asking for help is essential in both our personal and professional lives, as it enables us to overcome challenges and achieve our goals.

5. Get to know yourself

It is so important to take the time to get to know yourself. Understanding your triggers and being aware of areas where you need support can help prevent blind-siding moments. Bringing in a mental health professional, mentor or coach can be a huge asset in supporting you in this process. Through talking with a professional, you can gain insight into your own patterns of thinking and behavior. A mentor or coach can provide an outside perspective and guidance to help you identify your strengths and areas for growth. Taking the time to really understand yourself can help you build resilience and better cope with life’s challenges. The investment in your own personal growth and development is truly invaluable.

6. Resilience is a superpower

Keeping a positive attitude in the face of adversity is crucial to overcoming challenging situations. It helps to maintain mental and emotional strength, which enables one to find creative solutions to problems and stay focused on their goals. A positive attitude also improves relationships with others and allows for greater support and collaboration. However, it can be difficult to remain positive when faced with obstacles. One helpful approach is to practice gratitude by focusing on the good things in life and acknowledging small wins along the way. It's also important to keep in mind that challenges provide opportunities for growth and learning, which can lead to personal development and greater resilience. With a positive attitude, we can face adversity with hope and determination, knowing that we have the inner resources to overcome any obstacle.

7. Let go of the past

One of the most significant hindrances to a positive attitude is dwelling on the past. Regrets, grudges, and past failures can consume your energy and impede progress. Learn to let go and forgive, both others and yourself. Embrace the lessons learned from past experiences but avoid letting them define your present or future. By freeing yourself from the weight of the past, you create space for growth, positivity, and new opportunities.

Adopting a positive attitude is not just a matter of chance but a deliberate choice that has the potential to transform your life. Overcome negative thoughts, seek encouragement from supportive individuals, find joy and laughter in everyday moments, surround yourself with like-minded people, and let go of the past. By doing so, you empower yourself to face challenges with resilience, embrace opportunities with optimism, and ultimately pave the way to personal and professional success.

So, take the gambit of cultivating a positive attitude, and witness the incredible impact it can have on every aspect of your life. The choice is yours, and the possibilities are limitless.

There are so many things you experience when starting a business, regardless of the level of planning you put in place. Those nuances, while they might be similar to another entity’s experience, are often unique to you based on your context (what you offer, who is willing to pay for your goods and services, what people need contrary to research sometimes). Uwàmìto Consulting is a relatively new business, since launching in 2019 we have supported individuals and entities (local, regional, and international) but many of our past clients did not prefer sharing the stuff on our website or social media, so we developed a standard policy where we do not post the work we do or the clients we support. So, what keeps our doors open? You guessed it WORD-OF-MOUTH and past clients returning.

Although likes and comments on our posts on social media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok) help our algorithms, our clients who take us seriously are people and entities who may have been referred to us or are aware of our work. We post consistently on all these platforms at least three times per week.

The first recorded use of the term “word-of-mouth” dates back to 1662 when Samuel Pepys noted in his diary that “I have not been much troubled with my cold this day…only my head stuffed with the word-of-mouth.” But what exactly is it? Put simply, it’s a conversation about your brand or business that takes place between two or more people. The conversation can be direct (I told you so) or indirect (I heard about this great restaurant). And it can happen anywhere: in person, on social media, via email or phone conversations, or even through written reviews.

How come word-of-mouth marketing is still our most successful method of acquiring customers despite COVID-19 and the emergence of social media? What have you discovered? Let's look at this concept or strategy, which we recommend you keep in mind and use as a resource when starting a business.

Traditional word of mouth has been around for centuries and has been used since the beginning of time. Though replaced by social media, word-of-mouth was used to spread the news and ‘juicy’ gossip. Word-of-mouth is not paid for and therefore doesn’t have any strings attached arguably. We discovered that there are many businesses that swear by word-of-mouth, for example, Zappos, Tinder, Tesla, Girlfriend Collective, and Wendy’s to name a few. Word-of-mouth is to date one of our most powerful forms of marketing.

The power of word-of-mouth can be powerful for several reasons:

•  It is bottom-line friendly, it is free!

•  People share genuine experiences, so their accounts are often without bias.

• People take the reviews, words, and experiences of friends and people in their network seriously when deciding on a product or service.

• There is something more profound about someone speaking positively about something.

• It’s authentic. You can’t fake a recommendation from someone who genuinely likes you or your product – it’s in their best interest to share their experiences with others!

• It’s scalable. Word-of-mouth can go viral and spread quickly at a very low cost compared to traditional marketing methods like TV ads or billboards.

So, we are not here to bash any social media site but paid advertising is not always cheap and to do it well requires more than a simple understanding of things like algorithms, reach, and search engine optimization (SEO) so you may have to outsource, hire someone, or learn it yourself.  If I must purchase a product online, especially one that I am not familiar with, I always go to the review section to see how other people experience the product.

Word-of-mouth advertising can be done in any number of ways: through social media, email newsletters, and blogs, but perhaps the most effective way is through live interactions with your customers. This means having a good customer service team who are knowledgeable about their products and services to answer any questions they may have.

Word of mouth always works. In one form or another, it will always beat paid advertising and it's free! And I think that even if we're living in a digital world where industry experts can crush a startup with a blog post, there are great benefits to word of mouth. If you feel like your niche is too niche, you might be surprised by just how broad the appeal can get.

There's no doubt that in a world with hundreds of thousands of businesses, it's not easy to carve out a niche and find an audience. But social media, SEO, and networking can only do so much to generate interest. The best way to gain customers isn't through a set of tactics, it's through the power of word-of-mouth. And that requires value, what you provide at the end of the day. Of course, you need your website to be optimized for search engines; you need your ads on social media to capture the eye; you need to network at events and conventions. But more than anything else, you need your business to have value. Because if people can't say anything good about your company or product/service, then no matter how many ads you put up online, or how many tweets and posts you make on social media, there will never be any word-of-mouth marketing for your business, no matter how clever your advertising strategy is.

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is growing at a rapid pace, and it’s being used in many different industries and sectors including social development. It can help improve customer experience, increase efficiency and productivity, reduce costs and more. If you’re thinking about using artificial intelligence (AI) to power your business or not-for-profit you may want to map things out first.

Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool, but it’s not without its flaws. This can mean that you may end up with inaccurate or incomplete data, and eventually an inaccurate model of your customer, your beneficiary or potential clients. As with everything else you monitor how things are functioning to ensure you show up the way you intend.

Questions to ask before using AI

If you’re thinking about using artificial intelligence, it’s important to ask yourself a few key questions. Firstly, you’ll want to know what the benefits of using AI are and how they can help your business or organization thrive. Then, once you’re convinced that this technology is right for you, it’s time to figure out how it will impact your operations. Then, you’ll need to consider whether your business needs a dedicated team or if you can use AI as a supplementary tool that works alongside existing teams. You should also think about where you’d like to use AI and how it will impact your engagement. Finally, once you understand how this technology impacts your organization, it’s time to start thinking about how it will help solve problems for your customers, stakeholders, clients, or beneficiaries. Finally, you want to make sure that your implementation of AI is in line with your company’s values and mission.

Some useful AI tools available include

(1). Chatbots: These are tools that you can use to automate responses to customer questions and provide them with information about your products or services. You will need to spend time uploading your content for selection once the person who is interacting selects one of your options. You can also use them in place of an FAQ section on your website by creating a bot that answers frequently asked questions.

(2). Virtual assistants: These are programs that act as a personal assistant for employees, helping them do things like schedule meetings and track their calendars. A virtual assistant can schedule meetings and appointments for you, and an email filter that will help you keep track of your inbox. voice-to-text transcription, speech recognition, and conversational AI.

(3). Text transcription: This is the process of converting spoken words into written text. It is useful for recording interviews, dictation, and other forms of audio communication.

(4). Speech recognition: Allows you to use voice commands on your computer or mobile device.

The world as we know it is changing, of course nothing beats human interaction and personally engaging with people. For me knowing that I am engaging with a human that is efficiently addressing my issues makes the world of difference but there are actions which you use the technology for especially where human failing is like remembering dates or a task that must be done.

It's a tough time to be a business owner but taking some action to prepare for the next recession could help you stay afloat. Here are several steps you can take today to be ready for tomorrow.

Have a financial plan.

A financial plan is a detailed document that outlines your goals, how much you have to invest, and what steps you need to take to accomplish those goals. According to Dina Kaplan and Scott Mecum, authors of The Financial Plan Handbook: A Step-By-Step Guide To Writing Your Own Personal Budget, there are three key elements of creating a financial plan:

1. Setting realistic goals based on your values and priorities

2. Understanding the importance of saving regularly and sticking with it

3. Developing an investment strategy that matches your risk tolerance

Have a budget and track your spending.

Once you have identified your goals, it’s time to make a budget. You can use an online calculator or spreadsheet to do this, or just figure out how much money you have coming in each month and subtract that from the total amount of money needed to pay all your bills. The difference will be how much is left over for paying off debt, investing for retirement and other financial goals.

Keep track of what you spend every month on things like food and gas so that when times get tough, there won't be any surprises about how much more might need to go toward necessities such as groceries or transportation costs. In addition to keeping track of these expenses in a paper notebook or digital app like Mint (which allows users access through their computer browser), many people find it helpful to write down their budget numbers directly on their bank account statements so they can see exactly where their hard-earned cash goes each month—and often times where it doesn't go!

Build your emergency fund.

Building an emergency fund can be a daunting task if you're just starting out. The idea of building up to six months' worth of expenses is downright scary, especially if you've never had savings before. But it's important to start somewhere, so here's some advice for how to get started on building your emergency fund:

Start small and work up from there. You don't need to save all $6,000 or whatever in one go—just use the money from each paycheck until you have enough saved up for an emergency (or at least for most emergencies). If this means saving $5 per paycheck, then do it! It'll add up over time and help ensure that when something bad happens—say your car breaks down or there's a big medical bill—you won't have to resort immediately back into debt because there aren't any other options available besides borrowing money at high rates (and potentially losing credit).

Consider putting part of your savings into a high-yield online bank account like Ally Bank or Capital One 360 so that interest will build faster than what you'd get with most traditional financial institutions; remember though that these types of accounts generally charge higher fees than traditional banks so keep this in mind when making decisions about where best

Don’t try to time the market.

A recession is a time of uncertainty, and it's natural to think about what might happen. But the truth is that no one knows exactly how bad a recession will be or when it will start. Trying to time the market can be an expensive and stressful experience, so don't do it. Instead, focus on your long-term goals and stick with them through good times and bad.

Reduce or eliminate discretionary spending.

To reduce or eliminate discretionary spending, it's important to know exactly what you're saving for. The best way to do this is by setting a budget and sticking with it. If you don't already have a budget, start with one of the dozens of free online tools available that can help you create one.

If your income is adequate, try not to change anything about your lifestyle — just cut back on frivolous things that aren't necessities like eating out often or buying new clothes. You should also be sure not to spend money on things that aren't necessities: if something breaks in your house while you're using it as part of an experiment (such as breaking through ice), fix it instead of replacing it with something new.

Conclusion

Now that we’ve covered all the basics of preparing for a recession, we hope you feel a bit more confident in your ability to make smart financial decisions during these uncertain times. Sure, it can be scary to think about losing your job or having trouble paying the bills, but with some careful planning and preparation, you can minimize that fear and even come out on top when the recession is over. Remember: nothing will protect you 100% against everything that could happen. But when you take an active role in planning ahead like this, you can reduce your worry and be better prepared in case something does go wrong.

So, you have your strategic plan. What's next?

What is operational planning?

Operational planning is the process of determining how to execute your strategic plan. The goal of operational planning is to translate high-level goals into specific, actionable steps that can be taken to achieve those goals. This is where you decide what needs to be done, when it should be done, and by whom.

You can use operational planning to make sure that all the components of the strategic plan are being executed in a timely manner and that nothing is getting lost in translation from one department or team to another.

There are many benefits of operational planning, including:

Operational planning helps you ensure that your strategic plan stays on track and achieves the desired outcomes by providing a detailed set of instructions for achieving specific tasks or targets. It also helps ensure that all employees are working towards achieving the same goals by providing everyone with clear directions on what needs to be done.

How do you do operational planning?

Operational planning is done by breaking down each goal into smaller steps and identifying the resources required for each step. Then, using those resources and their availability (e.g., number of hours per week), determine how long it will take for each step to be completed and what resources will be required at each stage along the way.

Monitoring the operational plan:

You can monitor your progress by comparing it with actual performance data (e.g., sales numbers, number of people reached or the impact of service provision). If there are discrepancies between reality and expectations, then it is possible that something needs adjusting before moving on to another phase of implementation (or even backtracking

Have the courage to take your strategic plan up a notch.

Contact us if you need support.

You're not writing an essay.

People often mistake proposals for essays. The purpose of a project proposal is to convince someone to give you what you want, whether that be funding for your project or an extension on a deadline. Your audience is going to be made up of other professionals in their field, who sometimes have limited time. So, make sure that you're crafting something they can quickly read and understand how it will benefit them based on what they know about their organization's goals and objectives.

Stick to the facts.

●     Be specific. A well-written project proposal will be tailored to the needs of its audience. This means that you need to focus on your project and how it plans to solve a problem rather than waxing poetic about the many ways in which you are awesome and want to do this thing for them.

●     Avoid jargon and buzzwords. If a word or phrase isn't familiar, skip over it without thinking twice—it's not worth taking up space in your proposal with something that will only confuse people reading it later down the line (or even worse, make them think you have no idea what's going on).

●     Use bullet points and lists whenever possible; they make information easier on the eyes by guiding readers through complex content in an organized manner while still allowing them freedom of choice when deciding which parts interest them most at any given moment during their reading process--and let's face it: as a writer who has spent countless hours crafting an excellent piece of writing only for someone else to read it once before making their decision about whether or not they like what was written enough to give feedback regarding improvements needed so future revisions can be made accordingly (or not), we all know how frustrating those times can feel!

Don't get discouraged by failure.

The first time you submit a proposal, prepare yourself for failure. Don't get discouraged when you don't hear back from the client, or if they reject your proposal. The reasons for rejection are usually not due to the quality of your work, but rather something in the way you presented it. A formal submission letter is an opportunity to improve your proposals and become better at writing them!

When a client or prospective donor rejects a project proposal, take some time to dissect their critique and find ways that you can improve future submissions based on their feedback. If they give suggestions about what worked well in other projects but not yours, learn why those projects succeeded where yours did not so that next time around it will be easier for clients to say yes!

Make it easy for them to follow up.

Once you have submitted your proposal, make it easy for the decision-makers to follow up with you. You should provide contact details of people who can answer any questions and possible times when you will be available to meet. Also, keep in mind that your proposal may be passed between various stakeholders, so make sure to send it in an easily accessible format (PDFs are most common).

Project proposals are important in the nonprofit world and writing one will be a time-consuming process.

Project proposals are important in the nonprofit world because they represent a chance to get funding for projects. A bad proposal will be rejected, while a good one will be approved and funded. As such, it is important that organizations understand how to write winning proposals that will get them the support they need to carry out their missions.

There is no easy way around writing convincing project proposals; it takes time and effort to create one that meets all the requirements of your organization's funders or donors (if you're applying for grants). The best thing you can do when preparing your proposal is keep in mind exactly why you're proposing this project in particular—what problem does it solve? Does it have measurable results? What kind of impact does your organization hope this project will have on its community or audience?

Is proposal writing something you need to start doing? If yes, all it takes courage to begin and keep trying until you improve.

Have a clear strategy for your organization - ensure alignment between what your mandate is and the goals of the project.

A strategy is not a mission statement or a set of goals. A strategy is a plan you create to accomplish your goals. A good strategy will have clear steps, timelines, and success indicators.

Your strategy should be designed to help you fulfil your mandate, and the purpose of your organization. For example, if the mandate of your organization is to help low-income families gain greater access to healthy food by providing them with vouchers for grocery stores in their neighbourhood, then your strategic plan might include:

• Recruiting volunteers who can help distribute information about the program in local schools and daycares

• Funding for research that shows which grocery stores within a certain distance from low-income areas have high sales of fresh produce

• Create partnerships with those grocery stores so that they agree to accept the vouchers you'll be distributing

Set up the right team.

You can only be as successful as the team you have overseeing your projects. That's why it's so important to bring together the right people, who have a diverse skillset and are committed to the cause. Don't be afraid to ask for help or steward partnerships with other teams. The most important part is that your project is moving in a positive direction.

Offer real-time data. Do your research!

• Offer real-time data. Do your research!

You don't want to start from scratch. Find out what is already being done and by whom, especially if you’re working in the same geographical area. You can learn from their past experiences and might be able to adapt or improve on successful projects they've already piloted. Don’t reinvent the wheel! Get all the facts from the start, so you know exactly where you’re headed and if any unexpected things crop up, you’ll be better prepared to deal with them as they come. Be willing to adjust your approach or methods of operation as needed – there are always lessons to be learned along the way that could help you in future projects too! Stay focused on the end results rather than worrying about how something may have been done differently in another project before because ultimately each one has its own unique challenges which require innovative solutions that would not necessarily apply elsewhere anyway!

Work with other organizations.

Working with other organizations has many benefits: it’s more efficient, and you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Plus, someone else might already have tools that can help you measure your project’s impact.

When working with other organizations, it's important to remember that you're building on their work, while also focusing on your own organization's mandate.

Focus on the impact of results and how to achieve them.

A project to be implemented must have a clearly defined purpose, objectives, and desired results. The project should have a measurable impact on the target population. The most important requirement is to ensure that the result of the project will have a long-term impact on the social problem. The result should be sustainable and adapted to local needs so as not to become "just another" project in an area with many projects.

Be willing to change your approach if needed.

So your project is going well, and you're gaining traction in the community. The only problem is, that you've realized that your approach isn't working as well as it could be. Maybe the current situation has changed, or the market is responding differently than you thought it would. Or maybe you've discovered that your target audience doesn't have access to all of the resources they need to participate in the program at the highest level possible.

Whatever it is, it's important to be willing to change your approach if needed. This may seem like a daunting task, especially if you're already prepared project materials and promotional campaigns based on a certain idea or method—but think of this as an opportunity to make your project better.

Set clear expectations and timelines for deliverables.

Setting clear expectations and timelines for deliverables is critical at the beginning of every project. As a project manager, you need to set your team up for success by being explicit in what you expect from them, when it's due and how they'll communicate their progress. If you're a team member and you're not sure what's expected of you, ask questions so you can clarify your role. Once those expectations are set, establish a timeline and stick to it. There will be times when things don't go as planned, but good communication will help keep everyone on track.

Put together a results-oriented team that understands what needs to be achieved and by when (and is committed).

Since you've got the whole project in front of you, it's time to formulate some actionable strategies.

Set clear goals and expectations: Once you've determined the top objectives for your social development project, make sure that everything related to those goals is clearly defined and well communicated. By setting clear goals and expectations for your team, you'll ensure that they're in sync with what needs to be achieved.

Set the right team: You've already gathered a group of experts who know how to design and implement effective social development projects, but this doesn't mean they all have to work together on each project simultaneously. Decide which member of your team should be in charge of planning each new project and make sure everyone understands the role they're expected to play.

Define the timelines for deliverables: Since different projects are likely to require different lengths of time and resources (i.e., money), it's important that you define specific deadlines for each one. A good way to accomplish this is through a forecast calendar with proper milestones—a tool that makes it easy for everyone involved with a given project (i.e., stakeholders) to understand when their work will need to be completed so that you can achieve all set goals by a deadline (the beginning of March).

Set the right parameters for success: Make sure each person on your team understands what counts as a success or failure—and how early things might change based on feedback from stakeholders—because doing so will help avoid last-minute surprises during execution or evaluation phases if things aren't going quite according to plan (which is often).

When managing social development projects, stay focused on the goals you set out to achieve, even if that means changing your approach along the way.

People often think that social development projects are a means to an end—the end being the creation of a community spirit. While those goals are important and worthwhile, we've found that the best way to make sure we get there is to set out with clear, actionable goals and then dedicate ourselves to achieving them.

The Example of Edwin. C. Barnes

In the book, ‘Think and Grow Rich’ author Napoleon Hill writes about the assistant of Thomas Edison, Edwin C. Barnes in reference to ‘thoughts becoming things’. Edwin C. Barnes had a burning desire to work alongside Thomas Edison. Thomas Edison was a great inventor with obvious skills but Mr. Barnes had an idea which prompted a desire to partner with Mr Edison.

That partnership was sought after with a focused determination by Mr. Barnes, both men eventually partnered and saw both men achieving apart from great riches also being well known and respected.

The author in his book used this story to illustrate how thoughts become things but there is a most powerful lesson inherent that can be missed. The importance of matching, collaborating or partnering with people and entities having complementary strengths. Thomas Edison had the ideas and discipline to create inventions but Edwin Barnes had the ability to sell and network. Arguably, both needed the strengths of the other man to achieve what they did during that time in history. Additionally, global technology got an update and addition which also spurned the development of other inventions to create ecosystems and prototypes.

If we learnt at least one thing from the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic we are definitely stronger and more effective when we work together.

Contact us for your team building sessions or to do a networking analysis which can inform a strategy and framework to consciously guide how you work within and outside your sector.

Email: uwamito.consultancy@gmail.com

Call or WhatsApp: 1 868 728 9024

Social Media Platforms with search words ‘Uwàmìto Consulting’

So, over the years we have tried all types of tools to help with work organisation to ensure deadlines are met within time and budget, additionally, ensuring protocols and policies are observed while working within the frame of an organisation. It can be plenty!
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Some of the tools are among:
1. Good stationery – great writing pens, highlighters, post its, writing paper – first and foremost.

2. Evernote – for taking notes at meetings and writing minutes and follow-up items quickly.

3. Trello and Asana – for task-oriented projects and overall one-on-one client management.

4. Visio – Process maps are friendly – you can map an entire process which can help to create standard operating procedures quickly.

5.Toolkits/ Manuals/ Books/ Frameworks – for training and completing important deliverables that are specific in a content type.

6. Microsoft Suite – all of it.

7. MUSIC and it is in caps for a reason.

8.Vision book/ board - keeping ideals visible so at any time there is a reminder of what the why.

9. The mobile phone – appointments, calendars, grocery lists, voice notes.

10. BOOKS another caps.
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While tools are great, having an approach to work helps. Doing the recurring stuff every single day (call, add your entries on the finance spreadsheet, put in your deliverables, update, check dashboard). Soon you will have a system with a logical flow, triggered by one action to the next.
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Having a process and a system has helped to free up time for creativity and brainstorming and it is easy to delegate eventually. When things don’t go as planned, having a system and process helps so tweaking is easy to suit the situation.
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At Uwàmìto Consulting we solve issues. Contact us for support on all social media platforms, our website link www.uwamito.com.
WhatsApp/Call - 1.868.728.9024
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#asana #trello #programming #webdevelopment #instagram #machinelearning #bhfyp #webdesign #development #artificialintelligence #management #project #smallbusiness #businessowner #entrepreneurlife #daily #routine #habits #instagood #training #professional #life #happy #business #inspiration #instadaily #entrepreneur #selfemployment #staff #manager

On the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, Ronald Jackson, Head of the Disaster Risk Reduction, Recovery for Building Resilience Team, discusses how communities around the world are using new approaches to data collection to reduce their vulnerability to disasters.

Florida Ere is a single mother of six in Turkwel, Turkana, Kenya. She is a subsistence farmer who depends on the fruits of her labour to feed herself and her children. But every year, Florida must contend with natural hazards, such as seasonal flooding, which threaten her livelihood and endanger her prosperity.

Florida is typical of the 4 billion people affected globally by climate-related disasters over the last 20 years, most of whom live in developing countries. She is also one of 1.3 billion people on the planet dependent on degrading agricultural land - and like many in Kenya, her community is likely to bear a disproportionate brunt of the climate crisis.

She is however, also one of millions around the world benefitting from programmes supporting risk-informed development and early warning and preparedness. In multiple countries, UNDP is pioneering digital systems to enhance access to data – to help at risk communities build resilience to shocks and crises, and to better prepare for disasters.

Florida’s community set up a simple system that utilized radio alerts and signal flags to alert farmers about impending inclement weather. However, despite its ingenuity, this approach was often unreliable, and not everyone received punctual flood warnings. Working with the United Nations Environment Programme, UNDP and the Climwarn project created a web-based early warning system that monitors weather hazards, vulnerability and risk, and automatically issues warnings via SMS. This helps the community use data to understand its own systemic risk – and provides a more sophisticated and reliable early warning system. We are working to emulate, expand and improve upon this model in other countries.

Another system receiving UNDP support is the Mosul dam Emergency Preparedness in Iraq project, currently protecting more than 5 million people along the Tigris River against dam failure. Quantifying disaster risk for those living in the Tigris River Basin was a challenge, but the project was able to digitize the data onto one system, making it much easier to identify the communities most vulnerable to disaster. These insights have allowed the authorities to issue more accurate flood warning messages - and the information also feeds into local development policies. The existence of this integrated system turned out to be invaluable with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the data was already in place, the system could quickly, simply and affordably be repurposed to send vital SMS messages to more than 2 million geographically-targeted at-risk populations.

In 2021, we commemorate International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, in the midst of a global pandemic. COVID-19 has revealed both the need for an all-of-society focus on disaster risk reduction, and laid bare many shortcomings not least by exposing governance failures despite repeated warnings. This is an ominous sign – especially in light of the looming global climate crisis, which will increase the frequency and severity of natural hazards across the world and may render current strategies for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation obsolete in many countries. In 2018, 108 million people required humanitarian help as a result of storms, floods, droughts It has also raised questions regarding the institutional arrangements for addressing systemic risks and wildfires. Climate change modelling suggests this number will increase by 50 per cent by 2030. WHO says that by 2030 there will be an additional 250,000 deaths per year from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress because of climate change.cascading events. A new approach that embraces new technology that supports a risk-informed approach is vital as we move forward. 

I am pleased to say that looking to the future, with UNDP support, many new programmes are indeed stepping up to this challenge and looking to increase the use of digital technology in everyday work. For example, the DX4Resilience initiative, which is improving data collection and analysis of the most vulnerable, with digital solutions across Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines and Sri Lanka. Since about half, the world remains unconnected or poorly connected, and a lack of connection disproportionately affects vulnerable groups living in high-risk areas, this programme takes into consideration issues related to access, ability and local languages, and ensures vulnerable groups are empowered by the solutions developed. We need more solutions like this.

This International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, it is worth remembering that in the last two decades, disasters claimed approximately 1.23 million lives, an average of 60,000 per annum. They also cost more than US$ 2.97 trillion in economic loss worldwide. Insured losses from natural disasters reached $42 billion in the first six months of 2021 alone, a 10-year high.

Disasters exacerbate poverty and disproportionately harm the poor. We urgently need better international cooperation for developing countries to reduce their disaster risk – and more approaches that use digital solutions to improve risk-informed development, early warning and preparedness.

#DRRDay #OnlyTogether

Theme: “International cooperation for developing countries to reduce their disaster risk and disaster losses”

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Mr. Ronald Jackson is Head of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery for Building Resilience Team (DRT) in UNDP’s Crisis Bureau/Global Policy Network, and is based in Geneva.

Ronald has over 20 years of experience in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management within the Caribbean Region. He was previously the Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), and has served in the capacity of Director General and Deputy Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in Jamaica. The third Iteration of the Caribbean Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy (2014-2024) was developed under his leadership, and he has led numerous regional and national responses to tropical cyclone and extreme rainfall events, as well as other natural disasters. Ronald was awarded a Certificate of Commendation from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for his contribution to the rescue and recovery efforts in the aftermath of the January 2010 Haiti Earthquake.

Ronald holds a Master of Science Degree in Natural Resource Management and Environmental Resource Management from the University of the West Indies, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Planning and Environmental Resource Development from the University of Technology, as well as a Master’s Certificate in Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting. He has also lectured on Disaster Risk Management at the University of the West Indies.

“And though she be but little, she is fierce.” – William Shakespeare

Girls continue to blaze so many trails, from creating mobile apps, writing books, launching clothing lines and even having their cooking shows - girls are doing a lot. They are trailblazers!

Uwàmìto Consulting joins with the United Nations (UN) global compact in honouring the importance of the girl child. The International Day of the Girl Child is observed on October 11 annually as a time to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.

While global advancement has seen a great level of equity for girls and their overall development, there are societies where girls are not given the same level of access or chances as their counterparts. The pandemic (COVID-19) has made the divide more acute in some societies.

Without equal access to the internet and new technologies, girls can miss essential opportunities that shape their futures. We need to address intersecting factors, like disability and socioeconomic contexts that affect the digital gap.

We want to shine our light on a Caribbean girl - Maria Marshall from Barbados who at her age is a fearless advocate for climate change and environmental issues. She can hold her own and has met with a number of decision-makers and influencers and at every turn remained true to her cause.

She has a YouTube channel named, Little Thoughts On Big Matters here we showcase the work she is doing and trust that she continues doing great work..

#DayOfTheGirl #GenerationEquality

“Mental health care for all. Let’s make it a reality” - World Health Organisation (WHO) 2021.

Most countries globally are now into at least 18 months of managing the pandemic known as COVID-19, some more, others less. It has been an interesting experience!

With all kinds of research currently ongoing examining how COVID-19 impacted different aspects of our life, we will have to wait for some time longer to collectively reflect. But, one thing for sure is the fact that it has been a crisis that has exacerbated most of our socio-economic challenges, risks and vulnerabilities.

It is easy to generalize from a societal standpoint, but we are seeing, hearing and experiencing stories so powerfully rich with lessons, sorrows, hope and new discoveries.

There are a number of people who had to face the reality of losing jobs, loved ones, while some people have not been able to see their loved ones due to the many travel restrictions.

According to data from the WHO there has been an increased demand for services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders. It is difficult to manage an ongoing pandemic and to also satisfy data needs to make informed decisions.

At a recent World Health Assembly in May 2021 governments attending acknowledged the need to have increased investments in mental health.

What does that mean for the everyday person? without allocations for certain types of services and a redistribution/redirection of resources to address this current pandemic, mental health will as far as it is reasonably possible, take a focus requiring individual action. We need to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. Treat mental health as if it were our diet, our grooming for example to remain functional at the very basic levels.

According to the National Health Service (NHS) there are five (5) steps one can take to ensure mental health in relation to treating with the pandemic (https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/five-steps-to-mental-wellbeing/)

1. Connect with other people

2. Be physically active

3. Learn new skills

4. Give to others

5. Pay attention to the present moment

This pandemic is far from over, but awareness is the start and it will keep us grounded as we navigate and overcome this…

#WorldMentalHealthDay

Today is the start of the workweek October 04, 2021 - Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp are all currently down! There were times in the past when either of the platforms did shut down or had glitches and resumed operations after some time. But today! all three platforms went down it is now 3:23pm as I am writing and there is no life teeming.

What is the lesson here? Like life things may not often go as planned at times when you least expect it. Do you throw your hands up? It might be an opportunity to take a break but it is difficult when you rely on these systems for business or you might have a planned live or an online streaming activity. It can be a wonderful time to rethink your contingency planning. What are you plan B,C and D? Maybe you should consider other mechanisms of reaching people. But that is not really the issue is it? The issue is what do you do when things do not go as planned.

Fact is, we always have options….time to rethink… time to re-strategize all the areas of your business and even your life.

Have a great day, despite the temporary showers.

Punctuality is the soul of business.

- Thomas Chandler Haliburton

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This virtue is a sore point for quite a few people. On a personal level, it communicates a message that you may be unreliable. On a professional level, someone or an entity not being on time might affect productivity, their reputation and eventually their bottom line.

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As we close this week, do a check-in with yourself and observe whether this is something you need to try a little harder on, and make an effort to have it rectified.

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At Uwàmìto Consulting punctuality is a gloss that improves our service provision. We start and finish on time.

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We also work with people to improve their acumen and punctuality is an area we pay attention to.

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Find us on all social media platforms. Call/WhatsApp: 1.868.728.9024.

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#entrepreuner #punctuality #professional #inspiration #lifestyle #quotes #success #mindset #style #goals #entrepreneur #positivity #motivational #mindfulness #entrepreneurship #instalike #businessowner #positivequotes #growth #haliburton #instadaily

How has the current pandemic affected you as a business owner?

You changed your previous business approach?

You started a business based on an idea you always had? or,

You birthed a new business based on an opportunity that presented itself?

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Like the lyrics of this song by 'Patrice Roberts' many of us, yes us did not remain the same. We changed because it was necessary.

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We have been engaging with some 'stars' or business owners and leaders who have no shortage of resilience, they showed up for themselves during the pandemic and created some beautiful, solid frameworks that have started to work really well. This process has not been without challenges and more often the challenges that are most daunting are the internal ones. We know them all too well...

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The truth of the matter is, what Uwamito Consulting provide is special guidance, we agree on strategies and create tools and systems specific to the needs of those we support.

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Each person or business is different but our services can include - social media profile management (content created, posting schedule), leadership assessment (strengths and gaps), suggestion for capacity improvement based on blocks i.e. books to read or referral for counselling or public speaking it can vary, tools for personal and business management, weekly check-ins and 24/7 emergency strategy support.

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At all times you are in control. Our services are provided with the highest levels of confidentiality and where necessary we sign non-disclosure agreements. There is a science to becoming resilient and we make it fun and very easy for you to meet and exceed your goals. Our packages are affordable.

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Engaging us easy.

Send an email to: uwamito.consultancy@gmail.com.

Call or WhatsApp: +1.868.728.9024

Visit our Website: https://www.uwamito.com

DM us on any or all social media platforms.

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#leader #manager #business #success #entrepreneur #mindset #entrepreneurship #instadaily #entrepreneurlife #smallbusiness #successmindset #wealth #growth #spirituality #marketing #mindsetcoach #leadership #keytosuccess #music #patriceroberts #soca #resilience #goals #win #doit

“Keeping a journal of what’s going on in your life is a good way to help you distill what’s important and what’s not.”

— Martina Navratilova

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The act and art of journaling is an absolute SUPERPOWER! How come?... apart from a place to write your deepest thoughts it can be a powerful tool to help with organising or simply documenting things.

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I remember occasions when I was laughed at for always writing or jotting stuff down but there have been numerous occasions when I was consulted on to share my notes, and believe it or not there was an occasion where one person was exonerated from a potentially serious negative outcome.

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Consider journaling as a means to write stuff down when there seem so much to do. When you need to keep an idea or a thought for a later date or plain old planning; journaling helps..

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It helps when you have a nice app like Evernote, a decent writing pen or wonderful stationery like 'onyx+green' with their stone paper.

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We encourage our team and clients to use it as a tool for accountability and overall self-improvement.

How open are you to receiving honest feedback? If we think on it for a while as humans, we are quite open to receiving positive feedback for a number of reasons. But… receiving ‘negative’ feedback? it is a little bit tricky. We would say it depends on how it is delivered. No?  

But for many of us who are providing different goods and services, we know how important it is to have good service quality.

What are some ways you can receive feedback both internal and external? Here are a few of ours:

1.       Anonymous mechanisms – more effective for internal feedback

2.       Online Surveys to reach a wider audience

3.       Product or Service reviews for clients and customers – online as well.

4.       Timed assessment (mid-term, end line or continuous)

5.       Focus groups

6.       Set up a specific mechanism for open communication

There are endless ways in which you can design or create your feedback mechanisms it can be simple or complex. Our preference though is simple. Having an openness to receiving and acting on feedback will improve your service quality.

Feel free to reach out to us if you need support.

The Global AIDS 2020 Update is out.

https://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/media_asset/2020_global-aids-report_en.pdf

Each year the UN Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) publish their report compiled on how the globe progressed against the HIV pandemic. The theme for this year's report is, 'SEIZING THE MOMENT GLOBAL AIDS UPDATE - Tackling entrenched inequalities to end epidemics' (UNAIDS, 2020). This year's theme is appropriate since no person, sector, entity, country or region can say they have not been impacted by COVID-19 somewhere in the report the two points stood out for me:

1. The response the HIV was slow but with COVID-19 we only had weeks due to the high and different transmission modalities and mortality rates and,

2. In different parts of the world, the gains and lessons observed from HIV were transposed to the approaches used to address COVID-19 and of course it makes good common sense.

I am concerned for my region (The Caribbean) as we have seen a considerable reduction in international foreign aid which was previously used to finance huge segments of the national HIV response in many countries. Those governments are now faced with some vacuums which were not dealt with prior so some of the inequalities will deepen especially for Key Populations (gay men and other men who have sex with men, sex workers and transgender persons) and other groups most vulnerable to HIV. The concern of the absence or paucity of combination prevention programmes targeting adolescents and young people also reverberated throughout the report.

The report spoke to the slowed progress in case finding and linkage to care; what does that mean? In many countries within the region, there is a burgeoning cohort of persons who did an HIV test they may have gotten their results or may have not returned for their results - they are now out there in society and never started HIV treatment or did the confirmatory test to appreciate their viral loads.

There are challenges with the roll-out of comprehensive prevention interventions. Out of all our countries, the Bahamas and Barbados are the only two providing Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) via public health with NGOs taking up the slack in Suriname, Jamaica and Dominican Republic (albeit through pilot studies).

There has been encouraging progress in the Caribbean based on the data- a 29% decrease in HIV infections and a 37% decrease in AIDS-related deaths since 2010. Key populations account for 60% of new infections in the Caribbean basin. Half of the people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Caribbean have suppressed viral loads. 57% of the new infections occur among men, with 26% of that cohort being gay men and other men who have sex with men. Despite being smaller countries the mixed epidemics is no joy for a public health manager what often occurs is a lack of targeting save and apart from the community programming done by NGOs and civil society or the altering of the surveillance forms.

'Societal stigma, transphobia, violence and exclusion' often manifested in structural violence were highlighted as factors impacting or increasing the vulnerability of Transgender people to HIV infection and decreases their access to different services. Their health outcomes will be limited relative to other population groups.

There continues to be a challenge with data and surveillance except for treatment in Trinidad and Tobago - what does that mean for public health?

Overall prevention efforts are lagging due to a reduction in resourcing efforts for example condom social marketing and the rise in intimate partner violence.

Women and girls are in a sorry state (my words) as they continue to face increasing violence and limited opportunities. Increased infections and low comprehensive knowledge of HIV.

Some interesting highlights

1. Concerns for young people and their ability to protect themselves from HIV as the current adolescent/youth cohort are not subject to the same condom social marketing campaigns as others may have been exposed to in the past.

2. Innovations in treatment specifically the ATLAS and FLAIR trials show a positive outcome for viral suppression for PLHIV with the 1 or 2 injection/s per month vs the daily dosage.

3. PrEP has contributed to a reduction (steep) in new infections among gay men and other men who have sex with men in certain regions.

4. In the data modelling elements, there was a positive relationship between HIV prevalence and income disparity.

5. Outside of sub-Saharan Africa gay men and other men who have sex with men account for the majority of new infections

6. Transgender people are at an 'extremely' high risk of contracting HIV their rates of infection are 13 times higher than the general population.

7. Key populations accounted for 60% of new infections globally in 2019.

8. COVID-19 has added an additional burden to the stigma, discrimination and inequalities that already exist especially for vulnerable and criminalized groups including sex workers, people who use drugs, people living with HIV, migrants and LGBTI. Sex workers are facing extreme crackdowns and harassment from police in different parts of the world.

9. Countries using multimonth dispensing of ARVs are demonstrating a reduced strain on the health system and positively put PLHIV in charge of their treatment. This feature worked especially well during the COVID-19 challenge.

10. Transgender vulnerability and HIV prevalence were also highlighted. In 19 of 134 Transgender people were criminalized or prosecuted. Transgender HIV prevalence was estimated to be as high as 40% by some studies.

Do take a read for yourself and find out what the data says about your region or country.

Taken from the GLOBAL AIDS Update 2020 - UNAIDS