RATN - Regional AIDS Training Network

Published purpose

By creating a network of training institutions, the Regional AIDS Training Network (RATN) aims to improve the quality of HIV/AIDS training in Eastern and Southern Africa. RATN also aims to increase access to, and demand for, HIV/AIDS training in order to strengthen the ability of communities to respond effectively to the pandemic. The project supports a sustainable and functioning regional network of training institutions that are working to reduce the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS and their impact on communities. RATN functions as a secretariat to its member institutions (29 member institutions in 10 countries in 2010). It works with its members to develop and adapt short-term skills-upgrading courses for mid-level STI and HIV/AIDS workers, trainers, program managers, and senior policy makers. Courses are delivered by the member institutions. RATN's activities are guided by a strategic plan approved by its Board of Directors that focuses on the consolidation of systems and structures to increase HIV/AIDS capacity building, training, networking, advocacy, and information-sharing activities in the region. Canada's funding, which is pooled with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and Irish Aid, concentrates on activities that build RATN's capacity in areas such as Board of Directors governance, staff development and training, and financial management and procurement. This is one of two parts of the project Strengthening the Regional AIDS Training Network (RATN) in Eastern and Southern Africa - II, which has a total budget of $9.25 million.