The HARPIN Program
The HIV/AIDS Reduction Program In the Niger Delta (HARPIN) is a collaborative response to the pandemic in the Niger Delta. Running on a partnership between United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Pro Health International with funding from PEPFAR, the HARPIN program is a 3-year program designed to mitigate the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the Niger Delta region. The HARPIN program runs 3 program areas which are Abstinence and Be Faithful (AB) Program for in and out of school youth between the ages of 15 and 24 years; Condoms and other Prevention Program for People Living with HIV/AIDS; and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission for pregnant women.
Through the use of multiple combination interventions in reaching each target individual on the program, communities with relatively higher vulnerabilities are targeted and saturated with prevention activities. Working through a highly dedicated and professional program team, target communities with key influencers and gatekeepers are effectively engaged in a bid to improve community acceptance, community participation and program sustainability. Using Peer Education as the fulcrum activity for the Sexual Prevention activities, target individuals are reached with other interventions including small community group discussions, Health (HIV/AIDS) clubs, IGAs and so on. Message dosaging and balance are adapted to different age groups depending on their risk levels. Program phase out within each community involves the formation of Community Based Organizations, Health Clubs, Support Groups and other program sustainability structures. A four pronged minimum package of services are delivered to pregnant women under the PMTCT program while ensuring a formidable linkage and referral system to treatment, care and support services.
The HARPIN program provides technical capacity to other organizations and bodies within the Niger Delta in planning and development of program design, policies and responses. Sub-grants are also provided to community based organizations and health clubs in the bid to multiply the effect of the HARPIN program within the Niger Delta region. There is a strong integration of the HARPIN program into the response at the state and regional level in order to achieve a more coordinated and targeted response within the region. The HARPIN program also networks with other USG funded programs in order to synergize resources and share experience.
