Commonwealth releases plan to address HIV and AIDS

The Commonwealth Secretariat this week released its first HIV/AIDS Strategic Framework for 2007-2009, providing a coherent and multi-sectoral approach to addressing the pandemic.

According to Dr Joseph Amuzu, a Health Adviser in the Secretariat, the Strategic Framework will greatly strengthen the Commonwealth’s ability to respond to complex challenges faced by member countries.

“One of the things we’ve learned through our past efforts against HIV/AIDS is that a myopic, sector specific approach will only take you so far in achieving positive results. In many of our member countries, HIV/AIDS is something that permeates every aspect of life. We can’t address a multi-dimensional problem with a one-dimensional response,” Dr Amuzu said.

The Strategic Framework was developed in consultation with representatives of each Secretariat division alongside key partner agencies including the Commonwealth Foundation, UNAIDS, The Global Fund and the World Health Organisation.

The purpose of the framework is to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and mainstream it within the Secretariat’s projects with the aim of effectively utilising resources to address HIV/AIDS in ongoing projects.

In developing and low-income countries, the impact of HIV/AIDS compounds the issues of poverty, development, debt and trade. Health systems are strained, businesses suffer due to absenteeism and breadwinners are no longer able to support their families. The 15 million orphans and children left behind, often in the care of grandmothers as sole income providers, is also becoming a great challenge for governments to address.

“A variety of factors make HIV/AIDS a priority area for member governments -- as a health issue, but also because the pandemic now threatens to reverse economic, political and social gains in many regions. It’s having a massive impact on our ability to meet many of the Millennium Development Goals,” Dr Amuzu explained.

Gender inequality is a key factor in the spread and impact of HIV/AIDS. The low political, legal, social, economic and cultural status of women and girls means that they are disproportionately affected and vulnerable to infection.

In addition, there has been a significant loss of public sector workers in the Commonwealth who have died or become sick due to HIV/AIDS. This is particularly prevalent in the health and education sectors.

Secretariat efforts are currently focused on several areas, including gender, human rights, health and youth, political, economic and trade and the public and education sectors.

“The Commonwealth has a unique role in combating HIV/AIDS. As the largest intergovernmental grouping within the United Nations, it can use its influence to leverage resources and political positions on behalf of member countries. It also has the expertise to address HIV/AIDS across political and economic sectors, as well as in its development work,” said Dr Amuzu.

“The Strategic Framework aims to embody a coherent response to the pandemic, and a practical commitment to a better life for millions of people across the Commonwealth.”

Key Links:

• Health
• HIV and AIDS Strategic Framework 2007-2009