HIV/Aids IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT E-mail: anbe@salga.org.za BY Ayanda Nabe SALGA: Gender Analyst E-mail: anbe@salga.org.za PH: 012-338 6700/38 Fax: 012-338 6747

WHY SHOULD LOCAL GOVERNMENT BE INVOLVED IN HIV/AIDS? Local Government is the closest to the people It is responsive to community needs and realities HIV/Aids impacts on the economy and may drive investors away The health hazard caused by the pandemic which results absenteeism and death impacts on the service delivery of local government HIV/Aids poses a great challenge to a strong political and administrative leadership

THE ALLIANCE OF MAYORS’ INITIATIVE FOR COMMUNITY ACTION ON AIDS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL [AMICAALL] Formed in 1998 and launched in South Africa in 2000 Goal: promote actions that contribute to limiting the spread of HIV and alleviating its social and economic impact on communicities in Africa. It promotes an expanded multi-sectoral response to the epidemic at the local level The programme activities contribute to the creation of an enabling environment in which fear, denial and stigma can be overcome

AMICAALL PROGRAMME IN SOUTH AFRICA Pilot municipalities selected [Southern District Municipality- North West, Magalekwena – Limpompo, Nkomazi – Mpumalanga] Common Problems: HIV/Aids has a small budget allocation Little support given to the coordinators No multi-sectoral approach to the pandemic – operating in silos Programmes implemented are not always sustainable

PROGRESS TO DATE Department of Health has been working with municipalities in reviving the LACs Other sectors (e.g. business and NGOs) have been approached, to join forces against the pandemic AMICAAL and SALGA mobilising resources to strengthen the work of municipalities A workshop will be held on the 13-14 November 2003 in to develop a strategy for HIV/Aids in local government

HIV/AIDS IN THE WORKPLACE Local government is hard hit by the absenteeism of employees at the workplace – this impacts on service delivery The loss of skilled labour is proving to be very costly (new staff has to be employed and trained) The fear of infection and death may result in low staff morale

ACTION PLAN IN THE WORKPLACE Education and Prevention Wellness Strategy (VCT) Support to Infected and Affected (Setting up a fund) Forming Strategic Partnerships Medical Aid Scheme Benefits

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES Capacitating municipal clinics to cope with the VCT Capacitate clinics to deal with the opportunistic infection and women’s health Influence the necessary process to ensure that HIV/Aids is mainstreamed in the IDPs

THANK YOU