Mainstreaming HIV/AIDS in development and humanitarian programmes

This book, produced by Oxfam and in association with Action Aid and Save the Children, is a simplified version of AIDS on the Agenda which explores how to mainstream HIV and AIDS into the work of humanitarian organisations. It presents general lessons learned, mainly from the experiences of non-governmental and community-based organisations working in parts of Africa that are worst affected by HIV and AIDS. Part one presents the reasoning behind the idea of mainstreaming HIV and AIDS in existing development and humanitarian work. Part two presents practical ideas for agencies that are seeking to mainstream HIV and AIDS into their work.

The book recommends that organisations use internal mainstreaming of HIV and AIDS to reduce and cope with the impacts of AIDS. This means that organisations should continue with their work to tackle inequality and poverty, despite the effects of HIV and AIDS on their employees and functioning. It also recommends that organisations mainstream HIV and AIDS externally in order to ensure that their programmatic work is responsive to the changes created by HIV and AIDS. The author highlights how mainstreaming should be added to organisation work, rather than replacing direct AIDS activities, as both strategies are needed and complement each other. [adapted from author]