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Foreword
In Zimbabwe every individual has, in one-way or another been affected by the HIV and AIDS pandemic either through the loss of a parent, a loved one, a close relative or a workmate. The social and health impact of this pandemic is
enormous and manifests itself in a growing number of orphaned children, an
increased burden on the elderly and society in general, a loss of skilled and other manpower, a diversion of resources from productive sectors and a heavy strain on the health delivery system.
Zimbabwe has since recognised that there is a dire need for concerted efforts to fight this menace. A number of initiatives have been launched which include the mobilisation of resources through the National Aids Levy, an increased public awareness through drama and art, electronic and other media, and distribution of condoms.
The major challenge is therefore to ensure that all development sectors
incorporate strategies that focus on reducing the impact of HIV and AIDS. In an
attempt to face this challenge, the water and sanitation sector, under the
coordination of my Ministry, is adding a voice and meaningful contribution towards addressing the impacts of HIV/AIDS. Consequently, the National Action Committee for the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Programme, which I chair, has developed these guidelines in order to ensure that the sector fully takes
on board issues of HIV/AIDS. In doing so my ministry has partnered with UNICEF, several ministries and departments, the Institute of Water and Sanitation Development, the National Aids Council, NGOs and communities.
In the process of compiling these guidelines Water and Sanitation sector experts adopted the following declaration:
“The fight against HIV/AIDS calls for a multi-sectoral approach in which the water and sanitation sector finds its place and plays its role effectively. In this vein the sector confirms to the nation and the National Aids Council its commitment to respond positively to the challenge and utilise its knowledge and expertise to face the pandemic.” Kadoma, February 2003.
As a result, this booklet contains guidelines/strategies for the integration of HIV/AIDS awareness into the water and sanitation sector activities. The booklet contains valuable approaches in prevention, care and mitigating measures against the spread of HIV/AIDS. It provides suggestions for possible water and sanitation related research areas. It also brings together inputs by a number of water and sanitation sector professionals and further builds on experiences from other development sectors. It is important however that this document be understood to be a guide, and not a prescription, for various institutions in the follow up to the integration of HIV/AIDS in their activities. Each actor should be able to extract what is useful to them and modify these guidelines where necessary.
I therefore strongly recommend this document for your use in the Water and
Sanitation sector and other development sectors.
Thanks.
Dr. V. Hungwe
Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, and Chairman,
National Action Committee for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation
Harare, Zimbabwe
October 2003
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- 315Kb ~ 2 min (36 pages)
