Few public health issues have been as socially stigmatized as HIV and AIDS.

In the last few decades as the world has responded to the challenge of the global epidemic, it has become clear that the fight against AIDS is a fight for human rights, dignity and respect.

OSISA is committed to addressing the issue of HIV and AIDS at all levels. As an employer OSISA provides a non-discriminatory environment in which all people, regardless of their sero-status are able to contribute towards the realization of the ideals of an Open Society. In its grant-making and advocacy work, OSISA supports the rights of people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS, particularly those who are socially marginalized in other ways, to participate fully in decisions that affect them.

VISION

A region whose citizens enjoy health and well-being and have full access to information, skills and services related to the full attainment of their health, including access to the information, commodities and services necessary to prevent, manage and treat HIV AND AIDS.

PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

OSISA believes that both the determinants of and solutions to HIV infection and AIDS-related social challenges often lie outside the health sector. Systematic and sustained responses to HIV and AIDS require analysis and action on a variety of levels. Furthermore, the development of appropriate strategies requires sound knowledge and understanding of the cultural and social contexts required for change.

Therefore this programme seeks to empower southern African civil society organisations to participate in, advocate for and monitor HIV and AIDS policy processes. The programme will also contribute to the development of analytical tools and methodologies that enhance the ability of this region to play a significant role in policy debates at the continental and global levels.

OSISA notes that HIV and AIDS represents a human development crisis that is compounding already existing inequities in the region. In the last fifteen years the region has witnessed a growing number of new HIV infections and deaths due to AIDS. These have led to declining social and economic indicators such life expectancy, infant mortality, and productivity. At the household level, families are bearing the brunt of high health care and funeral expenses at the same time that many are forced to take in orphans and vulnerable children.

OSISA is also aware that in many instances, HIV and AIDS has been a flash-point for stigma and discrimination both against people living with HIV and AIDS and those who are simply perceived to be living with HIV AND AIDS. Groups of people who are already socially marginalised and/or socially vulnerable have also been stigmatised, and tend to be at a heightened risk of HIV infection and its consequences. The programme will address this through the use of a rights-based approach as well as supporting discrete initiatives focussed on human rights and HIV and AIDS.

GOALS

• To support efforts that decrease stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS and empower others who are vulnerable to HIV infection;

• To strengthen public participation in policy-making, public expenditure monitoring, and legal reform and public service delivery related to HIV and AIDS;

• To promote southern African analysis and to encourage participation by activists and civil society groups from the region in continental and global decision-making processes relating to HIV and AIDS;

• To support the mainstreaming of HIV and AIDS into activities and organisations that are currently supported by other OSISA thematic programmes including Human Rights and Democracy Building, Media, Education, Language Rights, Information and Communication Technologies, and Economic Justice.