Determinants of Application of Best Practices in Hiv/aids Projects in Kilifi County

Abstract

This study looked at the determinants of application of best practices among HIV/AIDS projects in Kilifi County. Kenya declared AIDS a disaster in 1999.Just like other counties in Kenya in Kilifi County there are many new infections and deaths in spite of progress made to curb HIV and AIDS in the country. Through sharing and application of documented best practices HIV/AIDS interventions can be successful among HIV/AIDS projects in Kilifi County. The objectives of the study were to establish the extent to which cultural, donor funding, management policies and stakeholder’s participation influence application of best practices in HIV/AIDS projects in Kilifi County. Data was collected by use of questionnaires and key informant interviews drawn from a purposively drawn sample of 72 respondents from 24 projects. Data was analyzed based on the study objectives and presented in form of frequencies, percentages and tables. Findings were summarized, discussed and conclusions drawn. The findings of the study would provide insight in to the determinants of application of best practices and hence help avoid reinventing the wheel and using inordinate resources to achieve desired results. Project managers, staff and stakeholders will be enlightened on whether they document and apply best practices and the factors affecting application of best practices. The study found out that HIV/AIDS projects in Kilifi County apply best practices. Culture, funding levels, donor conditions, management policies and stakeholder participation are some of the determinants of application of best practices among HIV/AIDS projects in Kilifi County. The study recommends improvement on analysis, documentation and sharing of best practices, provision of sufficient funding for application and sharing of best practices. Stakeholder need to be actively involved and their opinions incorporated in identification, application and documentation of best practices.