Managing the HIV/AIDS Pandemic at the Local Level in Africa
Day / Time Monday, June 19th / 16:30 - 18:30
Event Description
In 2000, as a part of the Millennium Declaration adopted by the UN, member states resolved to halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS. Since 2004, UN-HABITAT has been active in Abengourou, Cote D'Ivorie, Blantyre, Malawi, Kisumu, Kenya, Louga, Senegal and Makurdi, Nigeria, helping local authorities assess the impact of HIV/AIDS at the local level and planning responses with local communities. The programme also supports national and regional networks of municipalities in their local-level HIV/AIDS activities, including the replication of experience. This networking event will showcase experiences from the cities and countries managing HIV/AIDS at the local level in Africa . It will also include presentations from key partners, such as the World Bank, AMICAALL, the Huariou Commission and youth groups.
Session Language
English
French
Speakers
Dr. Lycester Bandawe, Blantyre, Malawi and Ms. Deliwe Malema, Lilongwe, Malawi
Honorable Mayor Prisca Auma, Mayor of Kisumu, Kenya, and Cllr. Samuel Nyabinda, Kisumu, Kenya
Mr. El Housseynou Ly, IAGU, Senegal and Mr. Pascal Rakotomalala, BNETD, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
Host Organization
UN-HABITAT (Urban Management Programme)
Host Organization Description
Urban Management Programme (1986-2006) was one of the largest global technical assistance programmes in the urban sector. A joint undertaking of UN-HABITAT, UNDP, the World Bank, and many bilateral donor agencies, its goal was to strengthen the contribution that cities and towns in developing countries make towards economic growth, social development and the elimination of poverty. It has now handed over to its partners at the regional, national and local level. The UMP responded to the Habitat Agenda themes of sustainable urban development and the urbanisation of poverty. UMP used the strategies of institutional anchoring and city consultations, working closely with local government, local and regional institutions and community groups to achieve its goals in over 120 city consultations in 57 countries. Originally implemented through the UMP and underway in 2006 through regional networks, the objectives of the HIV/AIDS activities within the UN-HABITAT project "Managing the HIV/AIDS Pandemic at the Local Level in Africa" are to enable municipal local governments and other local stakeholders to assess the impact of HIV/AIDS and to plan and implement appropriate responses. Key partners are the cities of Abengourou, Cote D'Ivorie; Blantyre, Malawi; Kisumu, Kenya; Louga, Senegal, and Makurdi, Nigeria, as well as partner institutions: The Development Policy Centre, Nigeria; The Africa Institute of Urban Management, Senegal, the Municipal Development Partnership, Zimbabwe and Bureau National d'Etudes Techniques et de Developpement, Cote d'Ivoire.
Report
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Title of Event:
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"Managing the HIV/AIDS Pandemic at the Local Level in Africa" UN-HABITAT Urban Management Programme
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Key Highlights
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2. What were the core issues identified in your event as they relate to the theme and sub-themes of WUFIII? The core issues identified in the event were those of inclusion and participation around HIV/AIDS, particularly focused on local authorities working with local communities to address the wide range of issues and concerns brought about by people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. |
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3. What were the main points raised by panellists and participants in relation to these different issues? What new ideas have been generated as a result of the discussion? Panellists and participants highlighted the heavy impact of HIV/AIDS and the lack of resources to handle it. Even more difficult is that the efforts that do exist on the ground are often not coordinated, or local governments are not aware of them. At the same time, the issue of HIV/AIDS is a very sensitive one, and can be difficult to discuss and address. Those living with HIV/AIDS are often stigmatized and many people lack true understanding and awareness of the disease and how to protect themselves from it. In many communities, women bear the brunt of the disease, from levels of prevalence to coping with those in their families who are ill. Communities in conflict situations have even more difficulty in keeping focused on the fight against HIV/AIDS. More positively, the panellists and participants were able to report successes in coordinating local government and community efforts in handling HIV/AIDS, including a strong increase in youth and community groups raising awareness at the local level. Many home-based care workers, mostly women, are part of a growing network supporting HIV/AIDS efforts. In some cities, testing centres and even the supply of ARVs and other support has grown considerably with local level efforts initiated by local authorities. By focusing on areas that are most at risk, such as transport routes and bars and hotels, resources can be targeted where they are needed most. |
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4. What process steps have been identified in your event that could help turn ideas into operational reality? The cities that have undertaken the HIV/AIDS activities have highlighted some key steps in raising awareness and dealing with HIV/AIDS at the local level. These begin with an activity called "Community Conversations", which allow the local authority and their partners to engage in real conversations with citizens on HIV/AIDS and how it affects them. It focuses on a two-way exchange of information rather than simply providing information and materials and allows for a clear picture of the level of understanding on HIV/AIDS and its impact. Working in partnership, local authorities and community groups can then coordinate their activities for awareness raising and sensitisation, as well as testing, counselling, and providing community support. |
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