Knowledge management
The main objective of the Knowledge Management Unit (KMU) is to assist in capacity building of individuals and organizations so that they will be equipped to deliver high quality services and programs related to HIV/AIDS. The unit has established a system to facilitate learning among various organizations working in HIV/AIDS in Karnataka. This has been done, with a view to improve the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of the programmes. Learning, Documentation and Dissemination have been identified as three core functions that will help in capacity building on a large scale.

Learning Sites: Given the scale of the programs, generating mechanisms for cross learning between implementing agencies has become essential. In order to foster learning in a systematic way, learning sites have been developed across Karnataka. They offer different curricula based on the needs of the learners and are in accordance with the NACP III guidelines. The MSM- T intervention in collaboration with Sangama and Samara, the FSW intervention in collaboration with Swati Mahila Sangha and Swasti and the district wide comprehensive rural HIV prevention and care intervention including Link Worker Scheme in Bagalkot have been identified as three effective learning sites.

Documentation: To begin with, it was necessary to put down mapping processes and findings so that areas of high prevalence were identified within the state. We then found that our partners and the communities had evolved both field and management level practices over time. The KMU found it important to document these interventions systematically, to create a database. Further, documentation was seen as a foundation that was instrumental in reviewing current interventions and developing more effective strategies for the future.

Dissemination: The KMU found that in order to build capacity for individuals and organizations working in this field, knowledge had to be disseminated. Some of the activities being conducted to share and thereby increase the knowledge pool include:

• Putting desktop information systems in place.
• Samastha HIV e-learning packages for care providers, through St. John’s Medical College.
• Partner meetings twice a year.
• Organizing the “Knowledge Fair”, a national or international forum in which experiences are shared to facilitate further learning.