Organizational assessment of Jordan's national aids program

One objective of this study was to assess the needs of the Jordanian National AIDS Program using the Center's for Disease Control model for a comprehensive HIV prevention program which includes four elements: prevention interventions and capacity building, evaluation and policy development, research, and surveillance. The second objective was to create recommendations to overcome those needs.

Fifty-five voluntary counseling and testing center client surveys, seven Program staff interviews, and three focus groups of University of Jordan students were performed. Survey data was analyzed using SPSS and Excel. Interviews and focus group recordings were transcribed and analyzed using QSR NVivo7 and manual coding.

The surveys showed Program's prevention interventions as satisfactory. Focus group data showed many individuals were not aware of HIV services available and that there is much stigma and discrimination against the disease. Interview data showed research activities and passive surveillance were in place but policy development was in its early stages. Prevention and capacity building were well-developed aspects, although lacking in specific areas of perinatal transmission and school-based HIV prevention education.

The data showed the Program can be strengthened in several areas. A few recommendations for prevention activities were made: improvement of hotline services, inclusion of school HIV curriculum at all levels, creation of mass media campaign to increase awareness and reduce stigma and discrimination, and pregnant women screening. The Program should continue policy development with the United States Agency for International Development. Lastly, surveillance and research areas should begin active surveillance and high-risk group studies, respectively.