Monitoring and evaluation of NGO AIDS activities.

Objectives and targets for HIV/AIDS projects include needs assessment for the development of specific strategies to meet the identified need. The lack of pre- and post-test HIV counseling in a clinic might be addressed through training clinic volunteers. A key element in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of project interventions lies in the selection of appropriate objectives. In the case of training programs an outcome can encompass increased abilities in knowledge attitudes and beliefs of the trainees. Project monitoring and evaluation relates directly to the key objectives and indicators. Providing feedback to project staff and the community is an important use of the monitoring system. An evaluation involves planning and preparation data collection data analysis and report writing and use of the results. The evaluation team for an NGO project consists of 1 or 2 key field staff members; a member of the home office staff; an external evaluation consultant; a representative of the Ministry of Health or a local NGO; and/or a community representative. Data collection includes methods and content. Triangulation means getting information from several different sources and by several different methods. Quantitative data include examination of project records and knowledge attitudes and practices or other surveys. Qualitative data would be a description of differing local beliefs about the causes of AIDS. Methods for gathering qualitative data are individual or group interviews and participant observation. Data collected in the field combined with written survey reports and other records are analyzed and a report is written with conclusions about what was observed comparison with what was expected and recommendations. Evaluation results must be shared with staff at all levels founders collaborating groups other organizations doing similar work and the community served by the project.