OVERVIEW
Word count: 1200 words (excluding graphs, tables and reference list)
Assignment description:
Write a summary policy document on HIV in Mexico City to promote a local initiative for an infectious disease. Imagine that you work for a local government and need to translate what you know of global policies and strategies for one of the diseases that we have covered (HIV, Malaria, or TB) for that local context. This document should be specific to the local context that you choose and should have a clear structure.
This briefing should be well supported by references – ensure you cite all your sources of information, strategies and policies. The document should be no more than 1200 words. You are welcome to include tables or diagrams if they fit your purposes, but they must be cited and referenced. Please remember there is no one right way to write this document. We will expect that you include information which (1) sets the scene, (2) highlights the policy area and its importance, and (3) explores your specific policy recommendations, using the evidence base.
As you work through developing your policy document you may wish to think about the following:
1) Set the scene:
• What are the local conditions of your HIV in Mexico City?
• Briefly explain the aetiology and epidemiology of the disease in your context and how that may differ from other locations.
• This section should make clear what the local epidemiological conditions are for your disease including key populations, social determinants, prevalence and incidence.
• Mention if demographic groups are more affected than others.
• Include information on the current state of the response to the disease in this setting.
*Provide data on:
• The prevalence of HIV in Mexico City
o (Key population: men having sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), male sex workers (MSW), Injection drug users (IDUs));
• The proportion of infected individuals on treatment and their compliance
2) Policy importance
• Establish why a local policy is needed.
• Summarize existing global plans and priorities
*Provide information on:
• Local policy in tackling HIV
• A brief summary of existing plans for HIV globally
3) Policy Suggestions
• List and justify key priorities based on global plan recommendations
• Explain the highest priority
• Explain what has worked elsewhere & what has improved health outcomes?
4) Targets
• What is going to happen and be achieved in the next 5 years?
• Targets should be SMART.
• SMART= Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant & time-bound
5) Measurement and evaluation
• What will success look like at the end of the 5-year plan?
• How will that progress be measured and assessed?
• What data will be needed?