PLACE. Priorities for Local AIDS Control Efforts: a manual for implementing the PLACE method.

Abstract

PLACE is a rapid assessment tool to monitor and improve AIDS prevention program coverage in areas where HIV transmission is most likely to occur. PLACE is designed for local program managers who want to know where to target resources to prevent new infections. PLACE systematically identifies gaps in current prevention programs enhances the local use of these findings to improve program delivery and monitors program coverage over time using over time using easy-to-understand indicators and coverage maps. Although PLACE findings may be used to inform several AIDS control activities the focus is on monitoring behavior and program coverage. Programs covered include condom distribution peer health education access to voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) harm reduction programs for injecting drug users and tuberculosis control. PLACE maps can be integrated with other mapping efforts that monitor infectious disease health service availability population density and environmental change. (excerpt)