USAID/PEPFAR Faith-based Retention and Adherence Initiative

Inter Religious Council of Ethiopia (IRCE)

Quarter I Implementation Report

(October 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022)

Grant Number: FAA# 72066320FA00006

Submitted to: Hailu Gebisa

Submitted by: Minalu Tadesse

Position, Regional Project Officer
IRCE
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Telephone: -

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Table of Contents
Acronyms.....................................................................................................................................................2
1. Introduction.........................................................................................................................................3
2. Key Accomplishments by Activity........................................................................................................4
1. Project management: Familiarize IRCE and Interfaith Council Management about PEPFAR Faith Based ART Retention
and Adherence Initiative Services..........................................................................................................4
2. IR 1: Strengthened ACSM interventions on compatibility of Spiritual therapy with ART.................4
2.1. Improved ACSM by top management of IRCE and member religious institutions at all levels..4
2.2. Improved knowledge of targeted FBO leaders and their followers toward compatibility of spiritual therapy with
ART......................................................................................................................................................4
2.3. Improved ART Retention and Adherence among PLHIV who are following spiritual therapy at spiritual healing
sites.....................................................................................................................................................5
3. IR 2: Strengthened capacity of interfaith council and FBOs to conduct ACSM on compatibility of Spiritual therapy with
ART..........................................................................................................................................................6
3.1. Improved capacity of members religious institutions to deliver ACSM on compatibility of spiritual therapy with
ART......................................................................................................................................................6
3.2: Strengthened MEL for evidence generation and use for strategic ACSM intervention.............6
4. Quality Improvement.........................................................................................................................8
5. COVID 19 prevention and Mitigation.................................................................................................8
3. Major Challenges and Measures taken................................................................................................9
4 Major Planned activities in the second quarter.................................................................................10

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Acronyms
xxxxxx

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1. Introduction
Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia/IRCE/ is an organization established by seven-member religious institutions.
These are; Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council, Ethiopian Catholic
Church, Evangelical Churches Fellowship of Ethiopia, Ethiopian seventh day Adventist international church,
Ethiopian Kalehiwot Church and Ethiopian Evangelical Church of Mekane Yesus.
Its main purpose is to facilitate a forum for its member institutions to engage in the development of the country
through peace building and other development activities. IRCE targets in bringing religious leaders and institutions
of various faiths at national and regional levels to identify potential on building trust and relationship among the
various religious communities. IRCE currently implements various development activities including Peace Building,
Prevention and Mitigation of Harmful Traditional Practices, Gender Inclusiveness and PEPFAR Faith Based ART
Retention and Adherence Initiative.
U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through USAID has granted IRCE “A Faith-based
ART Retention and Adherence Initiative” project running for 23 months. The objective is Strengthening Advocacy,
Communication and Social Mobilization (ACSM) approaches to community engagement carried out by public
health organizations. This will help to be more systematic, multidisciplinary, and informed about cultural norms,
beliefs, and practices. In addition, this project has aimed in strengthening the capacities of the interfaith council and
participating FBO to conduct advocacy, communications and social mobilization purposefully and systematically.
This report covers activities that have been implemented during the period of October 01 to December 31, 2022
under FY23 project implementation plan.

2. Key Accomplishments by Activity

1. Project management: Familiarize IRCE and Interfaith Council Management about PEPFAR Faith
Based ART Retention and Adherence Initiative Services
1.1 Contract extension for all project staff both at national and regional level

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  Xxx

1.2 Annual review of FY22, Orientation of the project scope with milestone deliverables activities (Workplan of
FY23) to project staffs

 Xxx

2. IR 1: Strengthened ACSM interventions on compatibility of Spiritual therapy with ART

2.1. Improved ACSM by top management of IRCE and member religious institutions at all levels
2.1.1 Conduct subnational advocacy conference on retention and adherence and stigma reduction focusing on
compatibility of spiritual therapy with ART with leadership of member faith-based institutions, government sectors,
PLHIV associations, USAID implementing partners and spiritual healers/leaders at respective healing sites.

 Xxx

2.1.2 Proactively attend, revitalize and contribute to federal/regional HIV TWGs representing FBOs

 In person meeting: Attended on TWG meeting with the Sidama RHB and discussed on the roles and
contribution of IRCE and its structures on advocating ART compatibility with spiritual therapy
 Zoom meeting: Attended on the TWG meeting through zoom with SNNP RHB, since IRCE is considering as
the partner of RHB on HIV prevention and control

2.1.3 Conduct rapid assessment/mapping of spiritual healing sites where PLHIV with potential retention and
Adherence problems resides to trace the lost to follow up and reengage them to treatment.

 There are 24 spiritual healing sites were mapped/assessed in regions (SNNP, Sidama & SWE regions)
 The major cities/towns where the SHS found in are: Jinka, Arbaminch, Woliata Sodo, Hossana, Butajira,
Dilla, Hawassa, Yirgalem, Tepi, Mizan and Bonga.
2.2. Improved knowledge of targeted FBO leaders and their followers toward compatibility of spiritual
therapy with ART
2.2.1 Design and deliver audio video messages focusing on HIV testing, treatment compatibility with spiritual
therapy, prevention of GBV and stigma reduction for persons living with HIV through faith-based media houses to
interfaith leaders and their constituencies

 Xxx

2.2.2 Working with Interfaith leaders and facilitate transmission of retention and adherence on prevention of
stigma and discrimination messages during holidays by heads of religious institutions

 Xxx

2.2.3 Produce and broadcast TV/Radio talk shows/programs on ART retention and adherence, stigma and
discrimination and GBV with religious scholars, health professionals and affected communities (PLHIVs)

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  Xxx

2.2.4 Translate, Print and distribute sermon guides to preachers, RLs and the target community with different local
languages

 Xxx

2.2.5 Translate and print bill board messages that promote ART adherence and retention in to different local
languages and erect at three regions

 Xxx

2.2.6 Design and erect mini and mega billboards promoting ART adherence and retention for each religious
member institution at healing sites and major regional towns.

 Xxx

2.2.7 Print and distribute leaflets and stickers broachers containing messages on HIV testing, treatment
compatibility with spiritual therapy, stigma and discrimination reduction and GBV prevention. (5000 per region)

 Xxx

2.3. Improved ART Retention and Adherence among PLHIV who are following spiritual therapy at spiritual
healing sites
2.3.1 Conduct sensitization events across all members of religious institutions of IRCE to advocate for
compatibility spiritual therapy with ART

 Xxx

2.3.2 Commemorate world AIDS day with Government of Ethiopia and USAID implementing partners.

Achievements of world AIDS Day (WAD):

 World AIDS Day (WAD) was colorfully celebrated in the three regions (SNNP, Sidama and SWE regions) at
Wolaita Sodo, Hawassa and Tercha (Dawro).
 The panel discussion made with the lead and attendance drawn from – higher officials and staffs of both
regional health bureaus, higher officials of the different government sector offices (including the
government cabinets), zonal health department heads, town health office heads, PLHIV Associations
leaders, ICAP, CDC, PSI, Project HOPE, IRCE, Religious Leaders from 7 denomination and Regional Religious
Council Offices.

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 Panel discussion was held with heading to global WAD slogan “Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to
End HIV” – as of the UNAIDS urging each of us to address the inequalities which are holding back progress in ending
AIDS.
 Regional health bureaus (both SNNPR & Sidama region) heads were urged all partners and stakeholders to
joint hands on to put better effort on ending HIV/AIDS.
 The religious leaders were highlighted their significant roles and unreserved contribution on HIV/AIDS
prevention and control through advocacy messages on HIV testing, ART compatibility with spiritual therapy
that has been actively on going at selected healing sites in collaboration with the IRCE/USAID project
initiative.
 Some participants of the panel discussion were praised the effort of religious leaders and IRCE as well.
 The regional health bureaus were also highly recognized the immense contribution of religious leaders and
IRCE as well.
 The event was held in two regions separately based on their convenient schedule; according to SNNP RHB
schedule it was held in December 1, 2022 in Wolaita Sodo town, December 2 in Hawassa city and December
5 in Tercha town had celebrated.
 IRCE has acted as the WAD event organizing committee member and financially supported both RHBs (i.e.,
covered perdiem for WAD event organizing committees)
 The higher officials’ engagement and commitment to work with IRCE on HIV prevention and control were
very boldly promised.

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- Pic1: While Mr. Endashaw Shibiru (SNNP RHB head) and Mr. Samuel Darge (vice head and HIV/AIDS multisectoral
prevention and control Directorate Director) were heading the panel discussion, in the right & left side respectively,
at Wolaita Sodo.

- Pic2: While Dr Abraham (SNNP Regional ICAP ART Advisor) presenting the global, national and regional HIV/AIDS
prevalence status

- Pic3: While the candle night commemorated by higher government officials, RLs and other key stakeholder in
remembrance of those who have passed away due to HIV/AIDS.

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 - Pic4: While Dr. Selamawit Mengesha (Sidama RHB head) addressing key notes on WAD at Hawassa Stadium.

2.3.3 Facilitate outreach program in collaboration with trained spiritual healers, PLHIV associations and USAID-
PEPFAR implementing partners at holy water and worship areas identified by program data to advocate for
compatibility of spiritual therapy with ART. in 8 regions.

 Xxx

2.3.4 Identify PLHIV who interrupt treatment and refer/link them with IPs for re-engagement

 19 clients who interrupt treatment were referred to the HFs and Ips for ART re-engagement
- 15 from Jinka Muluwongel Chucrh in collaboration with Compassion International
- 2 from Jinka Batha-Mariam Church
- 1 from Yirgalem Arsema
- 1 from Yiralem Washa-Mariam (New case – referred to HIV testing service to the
nearby health facility and being HIV+). Currently enrolled for ART at Yirgalem
General Hospital.

2.3.5 Identify PLHIV who face intimate partner violence, provide psychosocial and counseling support and refer to
health facilities as necessary

 Not yet

2.3.6 Provide counseling support to children, adolescents and old age PLHIV who have poor adherence to
treatment and referral/link to social protection scheme/ Economic strengthening, legal services, USAID Ips, etc.)

 There are 5 clients who interrupt treatment were referred from IP (CVDA) to the healing sites (to the relevant
spiritual fathers of clients) to get spiritual therapy through IRCE linkage

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2.3.7 Refer/link PLHIV with high need of economic support /social protection through IPs)

 Not yet

3. IR 2: Strengthened capacity of interfaith council and FBOs to conduct ACSM on compatibility of

Spiritual therapy with ART
3.1. Improved capacity of members religious institutions to deliver ACSM on compatibility of spiritual
therapy with ART
3.1.1 Refresher and basic capacity building training for holy water sites/Churches and Mosques leaders, spiritual
healers and youths on ART Retention and Adherence (compatibility of spiritual therapy with ART), stigma and
discrimination reduction and GBV prevention.

 The refresher and basic capacity building training for RLs and volunteer youths was successfully conducted
in the two regions (SNNPR and Sidama) at Hawassa Central Hotel
 Out of 104 participants expected to attend the training, 85 RLs (from 7 denomination) were attended the
training
 88.4% of participants were trained although there was a high religious conflict throughout the country within
orthodox church, which is a recent incident
 The training was facilitated and trained by the skilled senior professionals from USAID project LIPs
(CVDA), RHBs, CDC staff seconded to RHBs
 The content of the training was covered compatibility of spiritual therapy with ART, stigma and
discrimination, GBV prevention, demand creation on HIV testing and linkage with Ips/HFs etc
 All active healing sites mapped out were engaged on the training
 Composition of participants attended on the training were: Head of healing sites, preachers, holly-water
father, youths of healing, sites, zonal religious council heads, board members of SNNPR & Sidama religious
council office, regional religious council coordinators, LIPs (HIV service specialists, case managers from
high poetical health facilities, etc
 NB: SWE region is pending to conduct due to overlapping of program from both parties

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 Pic: While pictures of trainees/partcipants taken in the half view - @Central Hawassa Hotel

3.1.2 Train religious media house professionals on ART retention and adherence (compatibility of spiritual therapy
with ART), stigma and discrimination reduction and GBV prevention

 Xxx

3.2: Strengthened MEL for evidence generation and use for strategic ACSM intervention

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3.2.1 Orientation of IRCE staff, spiritual healers and volunteers on various tools, guidelines, reporting formats etc.

 Xxx

3.2.2 Conduct periodic joint supportive supervision with RHB, health facilities, religious leaders and USAID
implementing partners at selected healing sites

 Xxx

3.2.3 Undertake mentorship at site level at selected sites

 Out of 24 healing sites, 10 healing sites were mentored in two regions (SNNPR and Sidama) this quarter

Pic: While condcuting mentorship at the selected helaing sites level and capitali zing the collaborative effort of Health
Facilities and LIPs with the healing sites.

3.2.4 Conduct routine data quality assessment (RDQA) by integrating with JSS

 Xxx

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3.2.5 Conduct quarterly, biannual and annual project performance review meetings

 Xxx

3.2.6 Conduct quarterly review meetings at SNU/regional level with RHBs, religious leaders, health facilities and
USAID implementing partners.

 Xxx

3.2.7 Participate at national level periodic FBO-TF meeting and site level joint supervision

 Xxx

3.2.8 Document and disseminate best lessons learned on faith-based ART retention and adherence initiative

 Xxx

3.2.9 Conduct assessment on impact of ACSM work done through faith medias on ART retention and adherence
(Spiritual compatibility with ART)

 Xxx

3.2.10 Project close out Workshop will be conducted at the end in coordination with USAID implementing
partners, MoH/RHBs/ health facilities and PLHIV associations.

 Xxx

4. Quality Improvement
4.1 Support in establishment of QI teams across Service delivery points/health facilities, who will conduct
routine review of data to identify HIV data and service delivery gaps and implement strategies to support
performance and quality of services provided

 Xxx

4.2 Provide training on QI for QI team at selected health facilities and project staff

 Xxx

4.3 Monitor changes in performance through M&E and the use of quarterly performance data.

 Xxx

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5. COVID 19 prevention and Mitigation
5.1 All training sessions and meetings shall be conducted by strictly following the COVID-19 prevention
precautions.

 Xxx

5.2 All necessary PPE shall be applied like use of sanitizer, hand washing, wearing of a mask and maintaining
distance at all times.

 Xx

3. Major Challenges and Measures taken

3.1 Major challenges
 Overlapping of programs – Tight schedule of higher government officials while needed to attend on our
program as a resource person
 Late budget release
 Conflict – it’s negatively impacted on the regular program cascading and reduced the attendance of trainees

3.2 Measures taken

 Adjusted and reprogramming the activity schedules

 Engaged on non-budget activities
 Postponed some programs until the conflict issues were getting resolved

4 Major Planned activities in the second quarter

 Refresher and basic capacity building training for holy water sites/Churches and Mosques leaders, spiritual
healers and youths on ART Retention and Adherence (compatibility of spiritual therapy with ART), stigma
and discrimination reduction and GBV prevention – at SWE region
 Conduct quarterly review meetings at SNU/regional level with RHBs, religious leaders, health facilities and
USAID implementing partners.
 Provide training on QI for QI team at selected health facilities and project staff
 Undertake mentorship at site level at selected sites, which are not addressed through monitorship

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