Mainstreaming HIV
The term mainstreaming HIV refers to adapting development and humanitarian programmes to ensure they address the underlying causes of vulnerability to HIV infection and the consequences of HIV. The focus of such programmes, however, remains the original goal (for example, improving household incomes or food security, or raising literacy rates). |
This definition of ‘mainstreaming HIV' and considers its inter-relationship with HIV programming. Mainstreaming HIV is a learning process that requires changing attitudes, developing skills and understanding the effects of HIV in communities in order to adapt development and humanitarian programming to respond effectively.
Mainstreaming requires organisational changes as well as changes to programming. In relation to the organisational changes necessary to support effective mainstreaming, see Organisational Principles. This section focuses on mainstreaming HIV in development and humanitarian programmes.
THE PRINCIPLES:
- We review our development and humanitarian programmes to assess their relevance to reducing vulnerability to HIV infection and addressing the consequences of HIV.
- We work in partnerships to maximise the access of PLHIV and affected communities to an integrated range of programmes to meet their needs.
- We design or adapt development programmes to reduce vulnerability to HIV infection and meet the needs of PLHIV and affected communities.
- We ensure that our humanitarian programmes reduce vulnerability to HIV infection and address the needs of PLHIV and affected communities.
- Our programmes for orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV (OVC) are child-centred, family- and community-focused and rights-based.
- We advocate for an environment that supports effective mainstreaming of HIV.
- We advocate for an enabling environment that addresses the underlying causes of vulnerability to HIV.