GIPA/MIPA SOUTH AFRICA WORKPLACE MODEL

OUTLINE Background The GIPA principle: definition Why the GIPA principle? General lessons learned How far have we gone? Achievements and challenges Recommendation

BACKGROUND The principle of PLHIV participating at all levels in response to the AIDS pandemic is now fairly acceptable Recognition of the GIPA principle is the result of a long and tireless struggle by PLHIV activists for their self empowerment The combined determination of PLHIV and support from visionary leaders has made it possible to achieve the current results There is still a long way to go in translating the principle into practice

DEFINING GIPA/MIPA GIPA principle is meant to ensure meaningful, democratic involvement and participation of PLHIV in planning, programmes and decision making at all levels of intervention through self empowerment and capacity building Giving the epidemic a human face and voice

WHY THE GIPA PRINCIPLE? Direct experience and commitment have no substitute: no one can respect the interest of PLHIV better than PLHIV themselves (advocacy role) Committed PLHIV are the champions of a rights-based approach to AIDS. They contribute to increasing political commitment and keeping a sense of urgency to the response

WHY THE GIPA PRINCIPLE? Cont’d PLHIV play a critical role in fighting stigma and discrimination, the two biggest obstacles to effective prevention & treatment PLHIV strengthen prevention through social mobilization Participate in care & support, HBC and provide treatment literacy including palliative care Overall PLHIV do much more than just being faces and voices: they are change agents, genuine contributors to the pandemic

GENERAL LESSONS LEARNED OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS Involvement of PLHIV critical Integrating GIPA is a challenge Need to: Empower individuals; Empower individuals; Create context of support. Create context of support. Seek meaningful involvement Avoid creating token “faces & voices”

HOW FAR HAVE WE GONE IN SOUTH AFRICA Since the GIPA inception, UNDP promotes and advocates for the GIPA principle as a key intervention strategy for response by: Supporting capacity development for PLHIV organizations Supporting capacity development for PLHIV organizations Facilitating the development of progressive HIV and AIDS policies Facilitating the development of progressive HIV and AIDS policies Leading efforts to fight stigma and discrimination Leading efforts to fight stigma and discrimination Brokering partnerships between HIV positive workers and employers Brokering partnerships between HIV positive workers and employers

HOW FAR HAVE WE GONE IN SOUTH AFRICA Cont’d Workplace model developed 1998 Informed by: strategic document of SA existing AIDS plan ; call for partnership against HIV and AIDS. Few South Africans knew or spoke of their status Opportunity to apply GIPA in new areas and across sectors: government, civil society, private sector. Sharing lessons from GIPA pilot initiatives

ACHIEVEMENTS Significant increase in reduction of stigma and discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS Dignity of PLHIV uplifted PLHIV involved in policy and decision making processes PLHIV play a big role as support groups and in care Giving HIV and AIDS a human face and voice

ACHIEVEMENTS Cont’d Reduction of myths, misconception and misinformation on HIV and AIDS Motivated decision making processes for a big number of people to go for HIV testing Disclosure of HIV status and breaking the silence Expressing the needs of PLHIV:- Expressing the needs of PLHIV:- Change of attitude of health service providers Change of attitude of health service providers Attracting more public and private institutions to implement the GIPA/pr Attracting more public and private institutions to implement the GIPA/pr

ACHIEVEMENTS Cont’d Attract greater donor response to prevention, care treatment and support including nutrition Positive influence to decision making Inspiration, finding a reason to live quality life Decide to live positively without spreading the virus to others Learn leadership and commitment Improving environment (political, social, Technological procedures)

CHALLENGES Both personal and external society stigma still exist Discrimination within the society and some medical personnel still exist Lack of treatment knowledge amongst medical personnel on care & treatment The right of enjoying scientific advancement and its benefits is yet to be known to many PLHIV The elite and professional PLHIV do not break the silence

CHALLENGES Cont’d Networking of PLHIV still poor, even if it exist there is low capacity in managing and coordinating PLHIV organizations Most organisations are formed by those in low socio-economic status Persistence of tokenism Lack of fair remuneration to PLHIV contributing to the fight Limited capacity, skills, VCT services

IMPACT OF THE WORKPLACE MODEL Trained 25 GFWS. Partnered 20 organisations in various sectors Contributed to the global debate Documented as a UNAIDS best practice Assisted in improving visibility of PLHIV in SA Supports PLHIV networks; Assists national policy dialogue and programme formulation

WORKPLACE IMPACT Bring unique skills and experience Add credibility to programmes Ensure relevance Provide in-house counselling Counter stigma and discrimination Create positive environment; Lead and advocate Advocate for positive living

LESSONS LEARNED SA experience reflects global challenges Empowerment and environment are the most critical We learned: Organisations need preparation and planning; Organisations need preparation and planning; Select fieldworkers on skill not status; Select fieldworkers on skill not status; Professional training essential to empowerment and leadership. Professional training essential to empowerment and leadership.

RECOMMENDATION Drive towards stronger policy and legislation that would compel the government and private sector Impact studies focusing on the performance of PLHIV at all key levels PLHIV do more than just giving the epidemic a human face and voice because they are resourceful Incorporate gender-acknowledge that women and men are not the same

RECOMMENDATION Cont’d Acknowledge that GIPA on its own will not eradicate stigma and discrimination Acknowledge that it is not all PLHIV who can be open about their status A need for GIPA to advocate for all right of PLHIV Like any other rights, the right for the meaningful participation of PLHIV will be won through a struggle. The good news is that this can be done!!!!!!

Acknowledgement All GIPA/MIPA for their contribution and the support.