IRIN HIV/AIDS Weekly - 73
Africa
05 April 2002


NEWS:

MOZAMBIQUE: US signs health agreement to fight HIV/AIDS
SOUTHERN AFRICA: Food shortages could increase HIV/AIDS deaths
SOUTH AFRICA: Government ordered to provide nevirapine
CONGO: US supports HIV/AIDS education in military
BURUNDI: Germany resumes aid

LINKS:

1. Articles on Global Health Issues
2. Population Services International
3. The Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange

CONFERENCES/RESEARCH:

1. International Conference on Healthcare Resource Allocation for HIV/AIDS
2. Women's Pre-Conference Satellite Meeting, Barcelona Spain
3. Adolescents Sexual & Reproductive Health Clubs Course
4. Microbicides: An Overview of Prevention's New Hope
5. Leadership Course on Gender and Reproductive Health

JOB OPPORTUNITIES:

1. Vacancies in Policy Project/Futures Group Nigeria
2. National HIV/AIDS Programme Coordinator, South Africa
3. HIV/AIDS Programme Coordinator, South Africa


MOZAMBIQUE: US signs health agreement to fight HIV/AIDS

Mozambique and the United States have embarked on a US $30 million
programme to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis over the next five
years.

News reports said Mozambique's health minister, Francisco Songane, and the
US's health and human services secretary, Tommy Thompson, signed a
memorandum of understanding in Maputo on Tuesday.

"The leadership of Mozambique has indicated a strong dedication to
addressing the health challenges facing this country, particularly
HIV/AIDS. I look forward to continuing and expanding our relationship with
Mozambique, as well as with nations across Africa," Thompson was quoted as
saying in a statement.

Reports said the agreement covered research funding, education and
training, and the supply of basic equipment. Songane said the accord was
an attempt to formalise current programmes in at least seven provinces,
targeting pregnant women, children and adolescents.

The minister added that these initiatives would be expanded with the
donation of basic equipment and better. Thompson said Tuesday's agreement
was a clear sign of America's desire to become more involved in the fight
against AIDS and other epidemics in Mozambique.

According to official statistics, HIV currently affects 12 percent of the
Mozambican population, which is estimated at 17 million, and about 700 new
cases are registered daily.

SOUTHERN AFRICA: Food shortages could increase HIV/AIDS deaths

The severe food shortages experienced by many Southern African countries
and the resultant poor nutrition could contribute to a rise in
HIV/AIDS-related deaths in the region, aid organisations said on
Wednesday.

A Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) report said that rural areas had
the added disadvantage of a lack of HIV/AIDS education and poor health
services, making these poor communities increasingly vulnerable to HIV
infections during periods of food shortages.

UNAIDS Programme Development Advisor Elesani Njobvu told IRIN: "Families
lacking sufficient nutritious food are more vulnerable, as poor nutrition
is closely linked with poor health. This in turn makes a person more
vulnerable to HIV infection and can shorten the incubation period of HIV,
meaning that symptoms appear sooner.

More details:
http://www.irinnews.org/AIDSreport.asp?ReportID=1259

SOUTH AFRICA: Government ordered to provide nevirapine

The government has been ordered by the country's highest court to provide
the antiretroviral nevirapine immediately to HIV-positive pregnant women.

The Constitutional Court on Thursday upheld an earlier Pretoria High Court
ruling that the government provide the drug. This is part of a protracted
court battle between the government, which refuses to extend provision of
the drug beyond its 18 pilot sites, and lobbyists who want the drug
prescribed at all public health facilities.

The government went to the Constitutional Court to overturn part of the
Pretoria High Court decision - that it begin providing the drug even
before returning to court in May to appeal the overall ruling.

More details:
http://www.irinnews.org/AIDSreport.asp?ReportID=1261

CONGO: US supports HIV/AIDS education in military

The US government has lent its support to an initiative to educate the
Congolese military on preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS.

US ambassador to the Republic of Congo (ROC), David Kaeuper, made a
contribution of US $65,000 to the Forces Armees Congolaises (FAC) health
services director on 28 March. The Congolese government announced the
donation in the capital, Brazzaville, on Monday.

The initiative is being implemented by a local NGO called PRESIEC (Projet
pour la prevention du SIDA dans les ecoles du Congo), which has developed
similar behavioural-change programmes for schools in cooperation with the
Congolese government's national programme to combat AIDS (Programme
national de lutte contre le SIDA).

More details:
http://www.irinnews.org/AIDSreport.asp?ReportID=1258

BURUNDI: Germany resumes aid

Germany is to resume aid to Burundi following a nine-year break, its
Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development announced on Tuesday.

A total of 45,2 million euros (almost US $40 million) has been earmarked
for projects involving the reintegration of Burundi refugees,
HIV/AIDS-related activities and rural water supply projects, a statement
said.

The decision put Germany "in harmony" with the rest of the international
community, which committed itself at a December 2001 conference to
supporting the transitional government, Parliamentary State Secretary
Uschi Eid was quoted as saying.

More details:
http://www.irinnews.org/AIDSreport.asp?ReportID=1260


LINKS:

1. Articles on global health issues, including reproductive health,
environment, HIV/AIDS and women available free to journalists at:
http://www.PUSHjournal.com

2. A non-profit group based in the United States, PSI is the leading
social marketing organisation in the world, with projects in more than 50
countries on five continents.
http://www.psi.org/

3. The Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE)is a national,
non-profit organisation which provides treatment information not only for
people living with the virus but also for their families, care providers
and AIDS Service Organizations. It does so through a comprehensive
website, two electronic mailing lists, various print publications and a
bilingual, toll-free phone service.
http://www.catie.ca/


CONFERENCES/RESEARCH:

1. Certain sessions of the 5th international conference on healthcare
resource allocation for HIV/AIDS, scheduled to take place from 15-17 April
2002 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will be available on the internet. This
annual conference explores issues underlying the global crisis in access
to HIV/AIDS care and support, and serves as a forum for innovative ideas
and programmes. Among this year's featured speakers are Joanne Csete
(Human Rights Watch), Lieve Fransen (European Commission), Eve Lackritz
(US CDC), Jos Perriens (World Health Organisation), Paulo Teixeira
(Brazilian National AIDS Programme), Alan Whiteside (University of Natal,
South Africa), and Debrework Zewdie (The World Bank). To review the
conference agenda, please visit www.iapac.org. To complete a virtual
conference registration, visit www.centra.com/webevents/iapac.asp and
register for any or all conference sessions available for eb conferencing.

2. The Women at Barcelona Planning Committee will be holding a Women's
Pre-Conference Satellite Meeting - "HIV and women's lives post-UNGASS:
Science and activism joining forces" - on Sunday 7 July 2002 from 08:30-
16:30 at the XIV International AIDS Conference in Barcelona, Spain.

The programme for this event will focus on four vital areas of women's HIV
issues: treatment/health care access; caregiving and support; prevention;
and advocacy/activism. The presentations will be from a human rights
perspective and will include information from science, from practice, and
from women living with HIV. Various regions of the world will be
represented. There will also be time for discussion from the audience.

To extend the reach of the satellite meeting, a pre-satellite structured
discussion will be held on the GENDER-AIDS forum in the two months before
the Barcelona Conference.  This will provide a forum for people to express
their views and share experiences that will be summarised and presented at
the satellite meeting - to join send a mail to:
join-gender-aids@healthdev.net

3. Management of Adolescents Sexual & Reproductive Health Clubs Course -
5-18 May 2002, Kampala, Uganda

For youth leaders, training coordinators, & coordinators of adolescents'
sexual & reproductive health programmes. Participants will be equipped
with knowledge & skills to initiate & implement sustainable adolescents'
sexual & reproductive health programmes.
For more information:
http://www.comminit.com/events_cal/2002/865-event.html
Contact: dswuganda@africaonline.co.ug

4. Global Campaign for Microbicides is inviting participants to the
Microbicides 2002 conference in Antwerp, Belgium, to join a pre-conference
event - "Microbicides: An Overview of Prevention's New Hope" - on Sunday,
12 May - the day of the opening ceremonies.

The workshop will take place from 09:00 to 16:00 at Hotel Alfa DeKeyser,
within walking distance of the Microbicides 2002 main conference venue.

This workshop will provide an in-depth overview of the science and policy
issues surrounding microbicides for NGO participants, programme managers,
and/or individuals seeking a concise introduction to the field.

If interested in attending, please contact ifua@path-dc.org by 15 April.
Registration is limited to 80 people.

5. Leadership Course on Gender and Reproductive Health and Rights 7-25
October 2002, School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand,
Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Women's Health Project at the School of Public Health, University of
Witwatersrand, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, offer
a three-week intensive Leadership Course on Gender and Reproductive Health
and Rights. The course is designed for senior health managers, donors,
health activists and health and management NGOs which are looking for new
tools to enhance their work. At the end of the course participants will
understand how to mainstream gender in health services.

Please send enquiries to:
Naume Ziyambi
Leadership Course,
Women's Health Project
P O Box1038,
Johannesburg 2000
Tel: (27) 11 489 9917
Fax: (27) 11 489 9922
Email: womenhp@sn.apc.org
Online registration form: www.wits.ac.za/whp


JOB OPPORTUNITIES:

1. The Futures Group International has the following openings in
connection with its POLICY Project, a USAID-funded project that seeks to
improve the policy environment for reproductive health programmes
including HIV/AIDS. The POLICY Project works with a wide array of
stakeholders at national and local levels. All positions are located in
Abuja, Nigeria, and all successful candidates are expected to be resident
in Abuja on a full-time basis. People living with HIV/AIDS are encouraged
to apply.

- Senior Programme Officer, HIV/AIDS

The Senior Programme Officer, HIV/AIDS will work with the Country
Representative, Country Manager, Senior Programme Officer, Reproductive
Health and other Policy Project staff to provide technical assistance and
training to governmental, military and uniformed services,
non-governmental and private sector partners in the analysis of HIV/AIDS
data and policy issues and strategies. The candidate will provide
assistance in the design, development, implementation and monitoring of
project activities in Nigeria in the areas of training, strategic
planning, policy dialogue, awareness raising, research, and advocacy,
especially, but not limited to those pertaining to HIV/AIDS.

Candidates should have at least 10 years' experience working with
governmental, nongovernmental or international organisations in health
programmes, with at least five years in the area of HIV/AIDS. A
demonstrated understanding of the HIV/AIDS situation in Africa and in
Nigeria is a basic requirement. Knowledge of key stakeholders in
reproductive health in general and HIV/AIDS in particular in Nigeria are
an advantage. Excellent interpersonal, communication and writing skills
are required. An advanced degree in public health, epidemiology or a
related field required.

- NGO and Advocacy Advisor in HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health

The NGO and Advocacy Advisor will work with the current Advocacy Advisor
to provide training and technical assistance for public and
nongovernmental organisations in advocacy and NGO networking in HIV/AIDS
and in reproductive health. The advisor will also provide technical
assistance and training to strengthen the capacities of NGO networks to
carry out their mandates. The work will also involve the administration of
a small grant programme to NGOs and extensive travel throughout the
country.

Candidates should have excellent communication and training skills.
Previous knowledge and experience of HIV/AIDS and reproductive health
issues, as well as advocacy and NGO experience, are advantages. Knowledge
of federal, state and local governments and of NGOs is also necessary.
Experience in working with people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWAs) is an
advantage and PLWAs with requisite skills are encouraged to apply.

Source: NIGERIA AIDS E-FORUM

2. National Programme Coordinator, Enhancing an Integrated Response to
HIV/AIDS and Poverty - UNDP and South African Department of Health

The South African department of health, in partnership with the United
Nations Development Programme, will be supporting provinces to enhance
capacity for the development and implementation of an integrated response
to HIV/AIDS and poverty, with specific focus on strengthening district and
local responses. In the first phase of programme implementation,
activities are going to be directed at the priority provinces, including
KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. Thereafter it will be rolled out to
the other remaining provinces.

REQUIREMENTS:

- An appropriate tertiary degree or an equivalent diploma, preferably in
the field of social science, health, community development etc.
- Significant experience in programme planning, management and an
understanding of the social and economic dynamics of HIV/AIDS.
- Good understanding of South African health policies and social dynamics
of HIV/AIDS. Familiarity with the UN system will be an added advantage.
- Sound management and negotiation skills, proven facilitation and
communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a team in a
multi-cultural environment.
- Computer Literacy.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- The successful candidate will be responsible for the provision of
professional leadership and guidance to the programme entitled "Enhancing
an Integrated Response to HIV/AIDS and Poverty", contributing to the
development and implementation of strategies aimed at increasing the
understanding of the inter-relations and dynamics of the inter-play
between risk, vulnerability and impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic,
facilitating and advising on capacity building activities required for a
sustained action at all levels.
- The incumbent is expected to provide day-to-day managerial oversight to
the overall implementation of the programme, as well as ensure alignment
between programme components and priorities, advising on adaptions to meet
emerging needs and achievement of programme objectives within a context of
Sustainable Human Developement.

Closing date: 19 April 2002
Applications, including comprehensive CV, should be forwarded to the UNDP,
Senior Human Resources Associate, Human Resource Unit PO Box 6541 Pretoria
0001. Alternatively, send your application by fax to 012 320-4353 or via
email: thulile.khanye@undp.org

3. HIV/AIDS Programme Coordinator - Social Change Assistance Trust (SCAT),
Cape Town, South Africa

SCAT is an established Cape Town-based, independent fundraising,
grantmaking and development organisation. It supports rural
community-based development and human rights organisations in the Eastern,
Northern and Western Cape and the Free State and North West provinces.
SCAT seeks to appoint a HIV/AIDS Programme Coordinator:

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Coordinate the HIV/AIDS programme at SCAT
- Support the HIV/AIDS Activators in relevant communities and co ordinate
the training and mentoring of these activators
- Set up and coordinate an HIV/AIDS Advisory Committee which is made up of
relevant experts or interested parties who assist in developing and
advising on the implementation of the programme
- Monitoring the HIV/AIDS work of all other local development agencies
supported by SCAT
- Work in partnership with the Scat Field and Training Teams in order to
ensure a developmental and integrated approach to the implementation of
the HIV/AIDS programme
- Network with other organisations in the HIV/AIDS field in order to keep
up to date on new developments in the sector and ensure that SCAT is
informed of these developments
- Plan the activities which are linked to the programme and ensure that
these plans are implemented
- Maintain an administration system which records all work linked to the
programme
- Ensure regular reporting to SCAT and to funders on the developments in
the programme
- Conduct fieldwork as per the model that has been developed by SCAT

REQUIREMENTS:

- Knowledge and experience in working in the HIV/AIDS field
- Competency in English and Afrikaans or Xhosa, which are the two main
languages of the regions SCAT supports
- Proven experience in the rural development sector
- Good communication and writing skills would be an advantage
- Valid drivers licence

Submit all applications with a cover letter and CV to the Field Manager,
SCAT 021 418 68 50 (Fax) or phone Joanne Cartmel at SCAT(021) 418 25 75
for more details. All applications to reach SCAT on or before 19 April
2002.


IRIN-SA
Tel: +27 11 880-4633
Fax: +27 11 447-5472
Email: IRIN-SA@irin.org.za

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