Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) is a leading global pharmaceutical company with a demonstrated commitment to addressing health care issues of developing nations. Since July 2000, MSD has developed and implemented the African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnerships (ACHAP), an innovative public-private partnership in the fight against HIV/AIDS. With financial support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and in close collaboration with the Government of Botswana, a comprehensive strategy has been developed, addressing key interventions in prevention, care, and treatment. ACHAP has provided models for mitigation of the long-term impact of the epidemic, and has developed projects for improving coordinating mechanisms and resource allocation at national, regional, and community levels.

In 2004, nearly four years later, Botswana’s response to the HIV epidemic is increasing regarded as a best practice model for developing countries, communities, and funding institutions, in developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy against HIV/AIDS. Programs like the access to ARV therapy in the public sector, routine HIV-testing, education about sexuality and gender relations at schools, and community based care models for orphans, work place programs and efforts to mobilize the private sector have become best practice cases for countries facing the same crisis.

MSD is committed to share the lessons learned from Botswana and provide technical expertise to funding institutions, such as the Global Fund, World Bank, bilateral arrangements, and recipients such as developing countries, communities, NGOs or the private sector.

• Development of comprehensive HIV/AIDS strategies, through broad consultation and using participatory techniques.
• Creating enabling environments for transfer of competencies and sustainable capacity building.
• Supporting project management in public health and improvement of health systems concentrating on HIV/AIDS related aspects.
• Guiding and monitoring HIV/AIDS programs with accountability and agreed upon performance standards.

The MSD consultancy services can be considered to support existing development programs that are facing serious problems and are at risk of discontinuation, or can be utilized to collaborate with partner organizations in the development and implementation of comprehensive programs in prevention, treatment, and care.

1. Identification of  key problem areas through rapid assessments techniques.
2. Mobilization of external resources and expertise to address identified problems.
3. Strengthening of coordination, management and leadership.
4. Improving accountability and performance management in support of the continuous roll-out.
5. In certain cases complementary support can be provided to existing programs. For example, MSD can help to extend ARV treatment programs to include behavior change interventions and support in establishing linkages with prevention programs.

1. Performance in-depth desk reviews and interviews of key stakeholders.
2. Broad consultation at national, regional and community levels through participatory techniques.
3. Priority setting with key stakeholders and designing of outlines of key interventions.
4. Planning comprehensive programs covering as a minimum package the following areas: management and coordination of the response, treatment and care, prevention, financial modeling and funding.
5. Program communication at all levels through feedback sessions, tool kit development, and media training.