The HIV/AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa is deeply affecting rural livelihoods. The loss of adults of a working age means lower agricultural production, more households being headed by elderly people or children, and a breakdown in transmission of agricultural skills. The innovative experiences of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in responding to these needs have rarely been documented or disseminated.
Equity and HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS and rural livelihoods – communicating NGO good practice
Is poverty or wealth at the root of HIV?
The Lancet 2005
"Poverty and lack of economic opportunity are commonly cited as important contributors to the AIDS epidemic. Thus recent findings from the Tanzania 2003–04 HIV/AIDS indicator survey may come as a surprise. The evidence is just the opposite. This nationally representative survey measured wealth in terms of physical characteristics of the household and household possessions. Household wealth is strongly positively related to HIV prevalence." (Requires registration)
Rationing Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV/AIDS
In the past three years, expanding access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV/AIDS has become a global objective and a national priority for many countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Large-scale treatment programs have been launched in countries spanning the continent from Lesotho to Ghana, paid for by domestic funds mobilized by African governments and by international donor contributions. While these funds, which reach into the billions of dollars, will pay for ART for many thousands of HIV-positive Africans, there is almost no chance that African countries will have the human, infrastructural, or financial resources to treat everyone who is in need.
Using research to promote gender and equity in the provision of anti-retroviral therapy in Malawi
This paper explores the importance of using research to promote gender and equity in the provision of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in Malawi. The purpose of the paper is to highlight the importance of operational research in advocating for programmes that are gender sensitive and can contribute to overall national economic growth and poverty reduction. The paper uses a synthesis of the findings of research in Malawi on how gender roles and relations affect access and adherence to anti-retroviral therapy and to illustrate how these can be used to advocate for more equitable policy and practice.
Africa anti-AIDS drug price-cut announced
Developing countries will be paying less for two anti-AIDS drugs produced by multinational pharmaceutical company, Gilead Sciences. In a statement Gilead said it had dropped the cost of Viread by 31 percent and that of Truvada by 12 percent. Both medications are already sold at no-profit prices in 97 developing countries around the world.
Community based organisations and HIV/AIDS
The crucial role played by Community Based Organisations (CBOs) in the fight against HIV/AIDS is far from being recognized, says a report from SIDACTION. Until now, there was neither a record of what these organizations were doing nor any formalized description of the different kinds of activities which help facilitate access to treatment, so as to demonstrate the potential they might represent in terms of ARV access. SIDACTION sent out a concise questionnaire to more than a thousand organizations. Within a few weeks we received more than 300 responses from organizations expressing an interest in HIV care, treatment and support. There were many contrasts among the responses to the Community Access study conducted by SIDACTION: Uganda, Nigeria and Kenya accounted for 60 of the 300 continent-wide organizations that stated that they provide HIV care services.
Community-based counsellors in Zimbabwe make a difference
In an attempt to reduce the psychosocial impact of the AIDS epidemic, Zimbabwean communities have started an innovative community-based counselling initiative across the country. Until recently it was inconceivable for 48 year-old Mildred Mutumwapavi of Zaka District to talk openly about the HIV/AIDS in the community, let alone to regularly visit and counsel people living with and affected by the disease. But her attitude has changed: not only is she a trained community counsellor, she is also active in Zaka district, some 370 km southeast of the capital, Harare.
Delivering Antiretroviral Therapy in Resource-Constrained Settings: Lessons from Ghana, Kenya and Rwanda
In 2003, Family Health International (FHI) and its donor and country partners launched antiretroviral therapy (ART) "learning sites" in Ghana, Kenya and Rwanda, hoping to demonstrate that ART services could be provided safely and effectively in resource-constrained settings. At each site, ART was introduced as an integral component of comprehensive care and support for HIV-infected patients and their families. The sites are part of closely linked referral networks within defined geographic areas, such as districts or municipalities. In the two years since the initial sites were launched, FHI and its partners have learned valuable lessons that can guide development and expansion of ART services in Africa and other regions.
Zambian civic groups call on MPs to be more proactive in HIV/AIDS fight
Zambia's civil society groups are targeting parliamentarians, urging them to step up efforts to curb the spread of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Advocacy groups point out that members of parliament (MPs) are in an ideal position to help eradicate stigma and discrimination, as they could influence their constituents.
Good governance and good health: The role of societal structures
BMC International Health and Human Rights 2005
Only governments sensitive to the demands of their citizens appropriately respond to needs of their nation. HIV prevalence is significantly associated with poor governance. International public health programs need to address societal structures in order to create strong foundations upon which effective healthcare interventions can be implemented.