WHY FOCUS ON HIV AND AIDS? |
There are many reasons why the Regional Capacity Building Partners identified HIV and AIDS as one of the three focus areas for its work. Some of these are highlighted below:
The Numbers are Still Exploding
A report by UNAIDS indicates that in 2006, almost two thirds (63%) of all persons infected with HIV are living in sub-Saharan Africa-24.7 million [21.8 million-27.7 million]. An estimated 2.8 million [2.4 million-3.2 million] adults and children became infected with HIV in 2006, more than in all other regions of the world combined. The 2.1 million [1.8 million-2.4 million] AIDS deaths in sub-Saharan Africa represent 72% of global AIDS deaths. Across this region, women bear a disproportionate part of the AIDS burden; not only are they more likely than men to be infected with HIV, but in most countries they are also more likely to be the ones caring for people infected with HIV.
Although it is generally reported that the HIV prevalence appears to be stabilizing or declining in some countries in Eastern Africa, there is every indication to show that communities are under siege from the pandemic, struggling to find solutions to the problem amidst high levels of poverty. Southern Africa remains the epicenter of the global HIV epidemic: 32% of people with HIV globally live in this sub region and 34% of AIDS deaths globally occur there (UNAIDS 2006).
The Orphan Generation Continues To Increase
In many African countries at the moment, the orphan generation is growing at an alarming rate. Estimates in 26 countries in Africa show that by 2010, the orphan generation would have increased by 50%. Taking into consideration that these orphans are youth and students, hope for Africa's survival is bleak. This is because a good number of these orphans may be HIV+ themselves. The psychological, social and economic impact of the pandemic on the young people across the spectrum is inestimable. From primary school to college, problems of fees and books become rampant. Access to health facilities on the other hand combines with malnutrition and lack of basic needs to create a desperate situation.
The Needs of Women, Especially Young Women, are not Adequately Addressed
UNAIDS also highlights an important fact: that across sub-Saharan Africa, women are more likely than men to be infected with HIV. They are more likely to be the ones caring for people infected with HIV.
In a report released in June 2002, that was as relevant then as it is now, UNICEF, WHO and UNAIDS state that the needs of young people around the world "are routinely disregarded when strategies on HIV/AIDS are drafted, policies made and budgets allocated"
Only a Fraction of People are Accessing Services
One of the fundamental issues that are often forgotten is that only a very small fraction of people requiring access to HIV and AIDS prevention, care and support and impact mitigation services receive them. WHO acknowledges that the sheer scale of need in Sub-Saharan Africa means that a little less than one quarter (23%) of the estimated 4.6 million [4-5.4 million] people in need of antiretroviral therapy in this region are receiving it (WHO/UNAIDS, 2006).
The problem is probably much more serious when we consider that over the years, there has been little focus on prevention, with all stakeholders seemingly focused on advocating for, and celebrating access to ARVs by people living with HIV and AIDS. What does the lull in prevention effort mean for Sub-Saharan Africa and other countries affected by HIV and AIDS?
In general, therefore, the infection rates, the deaths as a result of HIV and AIDS are unacceptably high, and an honest analysis will show that action has to be doubled and re-doubled even more, if people and communities and Sub-Saharan Africa have to stem the tide of HIV and AIDS.
Responses to HIV and AIDS at the Workplace still have a long way to go
In Sub-Saharan Africa, many organizations, including Governments, Academic Institutions, NGOs, and businesses are grappling with a huge HIV and AIDS burden at the workplace - with many deaths still occurring, and chronic illnesses increasing. However, the response to HIV and AIDS in the workplace remains mostly erratic, with many organizations still struggling to establish how best to support their workers and members of their families. Since human resources are the bedrock of future socio-economic growth, it is critical that focus on this critical area of the response is given appropriate attention by all stakeholders.
Still Low Capacity in Some Countries in the Region to Respond
In spite of the fact that HIV and AIDS has affected communities in Sub-Saharan Africa for more than 2 decades, there is still very low capacity in various countries in the region to respond to the pandemic especially amongst local government and community institutions. This low capacity affects the quality of services provided to people living with HIV and AIDS and those who are vulnerable to HIV. In most cases, communities and even governments depend on external expertise to develop, implement, monitor and evaluate HIV and AIDS interventions. For example, there is limited capacity to effectively integrate HIV and AIDS into Food Security and Livelihoods interventions, and vice versa. There is also limited capacity in designing innovative workplace responses based on tested approaches. These inadequacies, among others, negatively impact on the possibility of communities achieving more significant successes in the response to the pandemic.
What We Will Do
RECABIP will:
- Build the capacities of organizations to respond to HIV and AIDS in the most effective ways possible
- Promote evidence-based policy research, dialogue, and practical action on HIV and AIDS in Africa and beyond
HIV and AIDS Capacity Building Courses and Events
Some of the current initiatives are as follows:
Conferences
Diploma and Certificate Course
HIV and AIDS Capacity Building Workshops