Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS Research Alliance (SAHARA)

SAHARA brings together key partners to influence policy and responses through the production and dissemination of evidence-based research on the social aspects of HIV and AIDS The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) established SAHARA on 7 August 2001 as an alliance of partners in order to conduct, support and use social sciences research to prevent the further spread of HIV and mitigate the im

pact of its devastation in sub-Saharan Africa. SAHARA Secretariat is housed in the HAST research programme/group of the HSRC which plays both a coordination and support role to SAHARA. Information dissemination and funder liaison functions are managed from the SAHARA Secretariat. The SAHARA Secretariat is composed of: a Head Office in Port Elizabeth, South Africa; 3 regional directorates for East and Central Africa, Southern Africa, and West Africa; and a network of national/country focal points. Headed by a Director, the SAHARA Head Office is responsible for overall management of the SAHARA network; donor liaison and fundraising; communication and dissemination of information and best practice; development and maintenance of partnerships, alliances and networks; capacity development; convening of meetings and conferences; and strategic coordination of multi-country projects.