Diffusion of Evidence-Based Interventions in HIV and Substance User Programs: Flaws and Lessons From the Sub-Saharan African Region

Abstract

The time has come that Sub-Saharan Africa benefit from implementation of Evidence-Based Interventions (EBIs) that have been developed over time in the United States, Europe, and by the United Nations (UN) agencies. This paper has been written partly because less information is coming out of Africa regarding diffusion and implementation of EBIs. There is a need to highlight and reflect on the delivery of interventions of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and substance use(r) programs in Sub-Saharan Africa. Both the evidence and practices may help enrich discussions as a way to improve the quality of program outcome in the region and at the same time retire inappropriate old interventions “Prevention can work, but not everything called prevention works” Belinda E. Sims (2011).

Keywords:

• diffusion
• flaws
• evidence-based

Notes

² The Eastern Africa region is composed of 11 countries by United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) including Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eretria, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Mauritius and Madagascar.

³ Web 1.0 involves the traditional information dissemination methods including seminars, journal peer reviewed articles, conferences and books, summary statements, concepts and briefs, statements and newspapers, national clearing houses, compendiums, use of library, radios and televisions. It also includes internet websites where materials and EBIs can be posted. These are intended to improve access, programs and services for intended users into central locations and repositories. Web 1.0 tools are more passive approaches to dissemination and many times, the strategies do not adequately meet the needs and likings of the end user of the EBIs on time.

⁴ On the other hand, Web 2.0 are participatory internet applications and social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, buttons = badges (graphics with embedded links for more information), widgets = gadgets (online applications built by one Web site that can be displayed on another), bookmarking and sharing, RSS feeds, mobile Web sites and text messaging, blogs, YouTube, etc.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rogers Kasirye

Rogers Kasirye, MA, from Kampala, Uganda, received his BA in Social Work and Social Administration in 1991 and an MA in Human Rights in 2001 from Makerere University, Kampala. He has consulted with both local nongovernmental organizations and international agencies, including WHO, UNODC ILO/IPEC ICF-Macro, and UNICEF, where he has been involved in the planning, implementation, advocacy, and evaluation of programs related to child labor, street, and slum children in Uganda and East Africa. Mr. Kasirye's past research has focused on juvenile drug abuse and sexual risk behaviors and AIDS awareness among street children and slum youth in Kampala. He has participated in NIDA-supported collaborative research designed to adapt materials on substance abuse and run away youth to Uganda. He completed a 1-year US Fulbright scholarship—Humphrey Fellow 2011–2012 during his Fellowship year. Mr. Kasirye wanted to learn more about new innovations in substance use prevention, children, and youth and policy work in the United States and explore ways of improving the policy environment and young people affected in Uganda. He is currently Executive Director of the Uganda Youth Development Link, and serves as scientific advisor to the Mentor Foundation and as Chairperson of the East Africa Policy Alliance, an NGO consortium and the African representative on the World Forum, against drug abuse.