Is awareness enough? Practical responses the HIV epidemic in southern Africa

People living in southern Africa are increasingly aware of the threat of HIV. But awareness is often superficial and fails to change people’s behaviour. A report from Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) describes attempts to integrate HIV/AIDS into its programmes across all sectors in the region. It highlights a need to move beyond awareness towards more practical solutions.

VSO has responded to the AIDS pandemic through the Regional AIDS Initiative of Southern Africa (RAISA). This four-year programme supports responses to HIV/AIDS by governments and civil society. Interviews with more than 100 people involved in RAISA revealed five stages of the pandemic and the personal and community responses to each one:

• Initial experience of the disease raises awareness in the community, but with limited understanding of personal risk.
• Fear and stigma lead to denial. High risk behaviour continues.
• Widespread experience of HIV motivates people to learn about the disease and practical solutions for living with infection.
• Increased understanding leads people to assess and accept their own risk.
• Community solidarity allows them to work together to take appropriate action.

The report describes nine case studies of HIV/AIDS integration activities undertaken by VSO volunteers, their colleagues and community members:

• an HIV/AIDS workshop for staff at a disability rehabilitation centre in Malawi
• initiation of HIV testing at a rural mission hospital in Malawi
• development and implementation of an HIV/AIDS plan for a social action directorate in Mozambique
• incorporation of HIV/AIDS into teacher training programmes in Mozambique
• training of community representatives to disseminate information about HIV/AIDS in rural Mozambique
• an HIV/AIDS workshop for young people in Namibia
• generation of a multi-level approach to HIV/AIDS at a South African university
• adaptation of an AIDS awareness programme for secondary schools in Zambia
• an organic garden for people with HIV/AIDS in a Zimbabwean village.

Awareness alone does not lead to behaviour change. New responses to the pandemic, such as mainstreaming, now focus on providing practical tools, appropriate knowledge and support to people affected by HIV/AIDS. The case studies show that:

• Appropriate responses can be integrated into a variety of sectors using basic developmental approaches.
• Integrated HIV/AIDS responses should aim not only to increase awareness but also to develop more practical, people or community-oriented solutions.
• No integration efforts are too small or informal to document and share. Personal perspectives can highlight valuable lessons and can motivate others.
• Training and support for facilitators are critical components in a mainstreaming programme. Motivated and empowered individuals can become catalysts in integrating HIV/AIDS into their workplace or community.

Source(s):
‘Mainstreaming HIV/AIDS. Looking beyond awareness’, VSO Experience in Focus, Voluntary Service Overseas, London, by M. Wilkins and D. Vasani, 2002 Full document.

Funded by: UK Department for International Development; The Community Fund, UK

id21 Research Highlight: 4 December 2002

Further Information:
Lorna Robertson
UK RAISA Coordinator
Voluntary Service Overseas
317 Putney Bridge Road
London SW15 2PN
UK

Tel: +44 (0) 20 8780 7200
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8780 7300
Contact the contributor: lorna.robertson@vso.org.uk

Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), UK

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