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.

[see also General guidelines]

OSISA will endeavour to support initiatives that –

• Use methods and processes that are empowering and participatory

• Promote the active involvement of women, young people, people with disabilities and people living with HIV AND AIDS, as well as other vulnerable groups

• Are innovative and catalytic in nature

• Support and promote the ideals of an Open Society, especially the use of the media as a tool for monitoring, advocacy and awareness raising

• Promote the role and capacity of states to manage the HIV and AIDS response in a responsible and transparent manner, particularly education, health and institutions responsible for social security

• Promote greater transparency and accountability in HIV and AIDS funding and the administration of programmes

• Promote partnerships and coordination amongst CSOs and government

• Promote a mainstreaming approach.

Links to more HIV and AIDS resources:

• AEGIS
• AIDS and Africa
• Eldis/ HRC HIV and AIDS Resource Guide
• HIV Insite
• Irin PlusNews HIV/ AIDS page
• UNAIDS

For further information, e-mail: hiv.aids@osisa.org 

All people have a right to achieve the highest standards of health. This is only possible in societies that respect and promote access to information and full participation in all aspects of public life.

OSISA has traditionally supported a number of initiatives focused on HIV and AIDS, and the organization is committed to ensuring that HIV and AIDS issues are fully integrated into all areas of work. In April 2005, the OSISA HIV and AIDS programme began full operations.

The programme works to support civil society organisations involved in:

• advocacy to promote the implementation of HIV and AIDS policies and laws;
• monitoring resource flows and expenditures on HIV and AIDS, both nationally and internationally;
• promoting civil society engagement in policy and law making processes;
• promoting access to care, support and treatment for socially and geographically marginalised and vulnerable groups of people.

Programme Guidelines to follow...

For further information, e-mail: hiv.aids@osisa.org