Representatives from National Olympic Committees in the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji and Vanuatu have spent the first half of this week in a mapping exercise.  For the first time, the regional team has gathered to determine the position of the STOP HIV Program in each of their countries, the ideal position for each of them and the gaps needed to be filled to get there.  This exercise facilitated by the Oceania National Olympic Committees STOP HIV Regional Program is primarily to determine best practice for adoption.  The remaining 2 days will focus on the planning where outcomes are the 2012 STOP HIV Program per country and the development of the 2013-2016 STOP HIV Strategic Plan.

According to Loatis Seneres, the STOP HIV Country Monitor from FSMNOC, "I'm learning so many new things, like mapping and developing plans for the future.  I know all this information I'm getting is going to greatly benefit me and my NOC."

Medallist at the recent Pacific Games and STOP HIV National Coordinator from VASANOC, Anolyn Lulu, this regional exercise has been very educational.  "I have learned a wide range of things - from the mapping of concepts, ideas and thoughts to the practicalities of implementing plans."

Andrew Prasad, the FASANOC STOP HIV National Coordinator is also thankful for being a part of this historical event.  He says, "It has given me the opportunity to network with members from other countries.  I learned all about how to do mapping.  When we put things together it gives clarity on where we are standing and new opportunities that we can venture into.  We were also able to look at the sharing of resources from other partners.  The most important thing is the M&E component, looking at how best our activities can be monitored and evaluated for improvements and also developing each of our capacities at both the personal and professional levels."

ONOC is thankful for the support from the FSMNOC, FASANOC and VASANOC in coordinating country STOP HIV Programs.