1. HIV/Aids IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT E-mail: anbe@salga.org.zaBY
Ayanda Nabe
SALGA: Gender Analyst
PH: /38
Fax:

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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 November 2003 in to develop a strategy for HIV/Aids in local government

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. THANK YOU