In November, the Nicaragua Ministry of Health announced its plan to incorporate the Capacity Project's performance assessment tool and methodology for HIV services into the national norms for prevention of mother-to-child transmission.

The Ministry also plans to implement the tool for HIV treatment in the near future. This is an important step toward institutionalizing the Capacity Project’s performance support approach, which is strengthening the capacity of Central American countries to deliver quality HIV services.

In Nicaragua, the Project supports improvement of pre-service education on HIV, especially to reduce stigma and discrimination in health establishments; health worker performance to deliver quality HIV comprehensive treatment; and human resources capacity in NGOs and faith-based organizations to promote better quality of life for people living with HIV through income generation and nutrition education.

December 2008