'More information on SALT Visits

More information on After Action Reviews (AARs)

Learning, learning, learning in Papua New Guinea

The Constellation coaches have conducted the first support visit, from the 23th until 27th of April, with members of the local facilitation teams, to support them in deepening their understanding of the AIDS Competence Process. The Facilitation teams have conducted SALT visits in four locations: Lae, Port Moresby, Mount Hagen and Goroka.

For example, in Lae, the team did a SALT visit in the 4 Mile community. More then 40 adults, youths and children participated in the discussions. The self measurement table was facilitated and completed by the community with areas for action and steps to take. At the end of the visit the team did an After Action Review within the community.

Then, the team travelled to Tent City where the community had participated in SALT and completed the Self Assessment. The meeting was held at the market place and a large crowd gathered (over 150). The group was divided into women, men and youth and SALT discussions were completed.

"The ACP is an excellent complementary approach to existing approaches (Healthy Islands Concept, Community Action Participation) to truly assess where the community stands in terms of HIV/AIDS and how they can be supported to increase their knowledge, to change their negative attitudes and to promote healthy behaviour", shared Jubal and Wani, from the Provincial/National Health, members of the facilitation team.

Some of the key lessons learned:

• Systematic and strategic support by the host is essential to maintain motivation for implementation of ACP.
• Systematic visits will produce change and movement in the communities in relation to the HIV/AIDS issue.
• Many people in PNG are still not aware of the HIV/AIDS issue and many of the SALT discussions will involve discussing information around what it is/how it is transmitted etc.
• SALT allows for greater discussion around the issues at the root cause of HIV/AIDS in a community.
• Facilitators basic understanding of HIV/AIDS also need to be addressed before they can confidently work in the community.
• People freely talked about the issue of HIV/AIDS and raised their concerns.
• Recognized HIV/AIDS cases and deaths in the neighbouring settlement.
• Identified important recreational activities to engage youths from involving in risky behaviours.
• Community identified risk areas that posed threats to HIV/AIDS.
• Emphasized Religion as one factor that would stop people from having a risky behaviour.

The settlers invited us back to continue the dialogue which shows that they are interested in the program