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People living with HIV re-affirm their demand for the inclusion of the right to health in the new constitution
Zimbabwe National Network for People Living with HIV/AIDS (ZNNP+)
September 28, 2011

The National Health and Rights Advocacy roundtable, which is facilitated by the Zimbabwe National Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS (ZNNP+) including its partner support groups and the HIV/AIDS, Human Rights and Law Project of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, highlights the following issues in relation to the constitution making process in Zimbabwe:

• People living with HIV should be represented and meaningfully engaged at every level of the remaining consultation in the constitution making process.
• There is need to recognize the right to health as a basic justiciable and enforceable right that should be guaranteed in the new constitution. This recognition should identify the right to health as encompassing the provision of adequate and quality health care, diagnostic testing, access to treatment, free anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) to those who need them and transparency in the administration of health resources.
• There should be a national monitoring body or mechanism to oversee, enforce and promote the enjoyment of all basic rights to be provided for in the new constitution.
• There is a need to ensure that the right to a standard of living adequate for health and well-being becomes a justiciable and enforceable part of the new constitution's Bill of Rights . This should include the right to food, shelter and clean water and sanitation.
• Because people living with HIV in Zimbabwe continue to face grave challenges in accessing treatment, social services, basic health care, education and other socio-economic rights. It is important to highlight the need for an expanded Bill of Rights in the new constitution with provisions on non-discrimination that apply expressly to the rights of people living with HIV and chronic illnesses.
• There is need to develop a constitutionally mandated and financially accountable Social Security System that also includes National Health Insurance funded by the state. People living with HIV, People living with disabilities, the elderly, orphans and vulnerable children should especially benefit from this system.
• The state should provide men, women and children in prisons and all places of detention with free, timely and uninterrupted anti-retroviral therapy, adequate food, clothing, bedding and access to qualified medical professionals, as the need arises.

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