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The role of local government in promoting the universal access to HIV treatment in Zimbabwe
National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations in Zimbabwe (NANGO)
June 30, 2012

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Introduction

The challenge facing local government and development partners alike in Zimbabwe is how to develop the public administration leadership capacities to enable them execute their mandated functions, serve the people and sustain development. Somewhat critical, is how to leverage the potential of decentralisation to facilitate access to HIV treatment at health centre level as close to communities as possible. This paper seeks to provide critical analysis and subsequent recommendations for policy and practice on the role of local government in facilitating access to HIV Treatment in Zimbabwe.

Background

Zimbabwe is one of the Southern African countries heavily affected by the HIV epidemic. While there has been a steep fall of HIV prevalence from 18% in 2005 (DHS 2005/6) to 15% (DHS 2010/11), HIV remains a priority challenge with approximately one in every 10 people living with HIV in Zimbabwe, therefore needing HIV treatment. AIDS has scarred the population, killed an estimated 1.9 million people to date, and continues to cost tens of thousands of lives every year. The sustainable treatment of existing AIDS cases and the prevention of new HIV infections (each leading to a long term commitment of treatment) are therefore equally pressing issues. Local government roles in sustaining treatment are therefore key and should be clearly defined.

Study objectives

• Discuss the operational infrastructure of local government structures for HIV/AIDS systems in Zimbabwe
• Discuss the factors affecting access to HIV and AIDS services and how local government in Zimbabwe could provide the most efficient mechanism to address the identified gap factors;
• Identify recommendations, strategies and actions to strengthen responses to HIV and AIDS treatment at community and primary care level for local government action, as recommended by communities and stakeholders alike,

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