To create a policy environment conducive to effective HIV/AIDS prevention and care and mitigation in the West African Region, AWARE-HIV/AIDS is providing support to regional institutions, networks and leaders in their advocacy efforts aimed at the development and promotion of policies. This support is based on current information and reputable projections that take into account people's real needs and protect the human rights of those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

An effective response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in West Africa requires a policy environment that allows and facilitates:

• The development and implementation of proven prevention and care interventions

• An environment where the rights of those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS are protected and promoted
  to make them feel free to seek prevention and care services

Creating such a policy environment in which effective HIV/AIDS programs can take place requires sustained focused efforts that identify the critical policy gaps, and build the capacity and savvy of local organizations to recognize the outstanding needs and to take effective action to address them.

To that end, AWARE-HIV/AIDS is working with regional institutions and networks to promote partnerships in the policy arena and collaboratively identify policy priorities and design ways to address these gaps. The project team also provides training to regional organizations, regional networks, and public officials in research, analysis, and presentation of data on the impact of HIV/AIDS for use in advocacy and for policy development.