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HBC (Home Based Care) in Zimbabwe- personal reflection
Tafadzwa Muropa
October 04, 2007

Working with implementing partners in the work of HIV & AIDS, it is evident that the HBC work has been mainly successful through the dedication of many women around Zimbabwe alongside a few men in ensuring that the health of people living with HIV & AIDS is preserved with dignity.

I would like to share my experiences and views in relation to how I see the state of Home Based Care in Zimbabwe and how it is evolving, since most care givers are women, who have a double burden of taking care of the clients who are bedridden in most cases, and also have other responsibilities at home.

My concern lies in the state's response to the question of not acknowledging the efforts put by women in HBC, by offering them stipends, allowances, or remuneration, especially during these harsh economic times.

At the end of the day, as HIV & AIDS activists or practitioners, we should be able to ask ourselves and reflect on the following thinking points -

• When will the state come in to do their duty in caring for the sick and not leave it in the hands of the community?
• How does the state intervene in a situation where some caregivers are leaving their duties and migrating to neighbouring countries in search of 'greener pastures'? (the nexus between migration and its impact on Home Based Care in Zimbabwe- food for thought)
• Does the national budget for 2008 take into account the need to allocate more financial resources for care givers and volunteers who are involved in the HBC work and in the health sector as a whole?
• How can we ensure that the voices of the caregivers are strengthened to become a voice to reckon with ( a movement on its own in Zimbabwe) in terms of putting pressure on policy makers and the international community to reflect and act on ensuring that the welfare of care givers is taken into account,
• How do we ensure that more men become part of the caregivers' community and be able to carry out HBC work out of sincerity, love and respect for people living positive and not for seeking money or other material benefits?

All in all, such answers to the above questions needs greater involvement of all stakeholders working in the field of HBC, HIV & AIDS and other civil society players, along side the policy makers, in order to make our nation a safe place to live for all people infected and affected by HIV & AIDS.

* Tafadzwa R. Muropa is the HIV & AIDS Programme Officer for ActionAid International-Zimbabwe, and writes this article in her own personal capacity.

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