Presentations were delivered by six countries in the region, namely Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. These presentations assisted in providing a greater understanding of the linkages and challenges confronting the countries in addressing HIV/AIDS. The country presentations provided an overview of the socio-economic circumstances of each country, outlined the sources and causes of vulnerability, provided an overview of the response to the crisis, and looked at opportunities for the future and country level priorities in responding to the crisis.
The six countries that are most severely affected by the present humanitarian crisis all rank low on the UNDP Human Development Index. All countries reported experiencing low levels of economic growth, predominantly rural populations with a high degree of poverty, unemployment and low levels of purchasing power, which has been steadily declining further owing to steadily increasing prices. This has resulted in malnutrition, which increases the vulnerability to morbidity and communicable diseases. In Zimbabwe explicit mention was made of the negative impact of government policies which have impacted negatively on agricultural production.
Most countries have predominantly rural based populations. HIV/AIDS prevalence in the countries is as follows: Malawi - 15%, Mozambique - 13%, Zambia - 21.5%, Lesotho - 31%, Swaziland - 33.7% and Zimbabwe - 33.7%.
All countries with the exception of Mozambique have submitted a Consolidated Appeal for support and in all countries the governments have been rolling out famine relief programmes targeting the most vulnerable households.
Governments, UN Agencies and NGOs in the six countries are actively involved in supporting relief efforts often under the guidance of OCHA, WFP, UNICEF, and FAO. Programmes being supported include: subsidising the cost of maize so as to keep prices down, food distribution programmes and supporting food feeding schemes in schools. In the case of Zimbabwe a portion of the AIDS Levy has been utilised to support feeding programmes.
Opportunities identified by the presenters included:
- Research aimed at exploring the linkages between the humanitarian crisis and HIV/AIDS
- Integrate HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support activities into relief efforts
- Increase political support for HIV/AIDS and the humanitarian crisis
Future priority interventions identified by the participants included:
- Advocacy, especially with the media to highlight the linkages between HIV/AIDS and the humanitarian crisis
- Mainstream HIV/AIDS into various sectors
- Move from talk to action
- Awareness creation through initiating community dialogue
- Support children and other vulnerable populations ensuring the provision of basic services to people living with HIV/AIDS
- Prevent the sexual exploitation of children and women
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