UNDP - Swaziland

Meeting Objectives

• To share new information on HIV prevention among high level executives in government, civil society and traditional sector. 

Meeting Agenda

Session One

Lead FACILITATOR – Principal Secretary in the Prime Minister’s office, PS Mbuso Dlamini

1. Purpose of SPAFA and previous discussions – Derek von Wissell, NERCHA Director

2. Remarks by the Chair – Honourable Prime Minister Dr. Sibusiso B. Dlamini

3. 2008 ANC/DHS report and Discussions – Ms. N. Dlamini, Senior Statistician, MOH

4. Male Circumcision in Swaziland and Discussions – Dr. V. Magagula

Session Two

5. ART programme in Swaziland and Discussion – Dr. V Okello, MOH

6. Highlights of HIV/AIDS National Strategic Framework – Khanya Mabuza, NERCHA, Assistant Director Coordination

7. Way forward and agenda for next SPAFA Meeting – Mbuso Dlamini, Lead Facilitator

THEME: ‘ACCESS FOR ALL’

1.0 Purpose of SPAFA and Previous discussions

Derek von Wissell – NERCHA Director

The NERCHA Director welcomed all present explaining that this forum is in line with the International Partnership Against HIV and AIDS, which was established by the UNAIDS Board in 2000.

The forum exists to consult with partners, to share information, discuss emerging issues and also promote networking and collaboration among those involved in the fight against HIV in Swaziland. The forum strives to get attendance from the highest leadership so that interaction can be that which is not normally seen from other discussions about HIV and AIDS.

The director expressed his appreciation to the great attendance of the forum indicating that the high turnout is in line with the objectives of the gathering to ensure that everyone is aware of activities on the ground. This will in turn improve on the coordination of activities.

In conclusion, the director highlighted that there were two elements of the HIV epidemic that cannot be separated. The first is the huge impact of the epidemic on the nation which he said was sadening. On the other hand, he noted that there were a lot of activities on the ground that CONTRIBUTES to the fight against HIV and AIDS, and these cannot be overlooked. He encouraged everyone to focus more on the successes than the challenges.  

2.0 Remarks by the Chairperson

Honourable Prime Minister Dr. Sibusiso B. Dlamini

Dlamini welcomed participants and acknowledged the huge role played by SPAFA in the fight against HIV and AIDS. ‘You are all, through your respective positions, key players in the fight against HIV and AIDS. And some fight this is turning out to be.’

He recognised the need for NERCHA to play a coordination role in the fight against HIV and AIDS. He noted that it is beneficial to have regular discussions in a forum such as SPAFA. A gathering to share information, sharpen focus and coordinate an understanding of the key issues and priorities. The distinct feature about SPAFA is that its members are both knowledgeable and through their respective positions, highly influential, therefore, well-placed to make a difference. Members are therefore requested to continue their commitment to this worthy group and its objectives.

Poverty and HIV and AIDS are two-pronged challenges that need to be resolved amicably. The fight to eliminate or, reduce poverty is hugely inhibited where the people are ravaged by HIV and AIDS. Government continues to be committed to these challenges. It is through providing a truly fertile enabling environment for the creation of sustainable livelihoods that we can strike hardest at poverty.

‘We shall remain committed to the improvement of all the enabling and reinforcing social functions and to achieving a higher standard of service delivery by every government ministry. That means a better education system, improved health facilities, reliable food security and rock-solid social safety nets for the vulnerable and disadvantaged.’

Management of the HIV and AIDS pandemic has improved over the past decade. We have moved from a genuine recognition of the problem to the declaration of a ‘national disaster’, to the creation of a dedicated response coordination unit in the form of NERCHA, to most recently the decentralisation of NERCHA’s function into chieftancies. The engagement of communities reflects real progress.

Much more needs to be done by all stakeholders in the fight against HIV and AIDS. There has been no encouraging improvement in the prevalence rates on the pandemic.

‘We need to see a more widespread acceptance of personal responsibility by individuals. We need to see every partner, ministry, company and community mainstreaming HIV, setting measurable targets within set timeframes and reporting on progress.’

Dlamini appointed the Honourable Minister of Health to chair the proceedings of the SPAFA meetings, indicating that he would be unable to do so due to other commitments. He was hopeful that fruitful deliberations would be held on how best to manage and win the fight against HIV and AIDS.

2008 ANC/DHS report and Discussions – Ms. N. Dlamini, Senior Statistician, MOH

Ms Dlamini’s presentation gave an overview of the results from the 2008 HIV Sentinel Survey and the Swaziland Demographic and Health Survey (SDHS). It further gave an interpretation of the results from these two surveys.

Political/Leadership Commitment to the fight against HIV and AIDS

The commitment of high ranking officials, especially in leadership, was reemphasized in the fight against the pandemic. The SPAFA forum is distinct in that it draws individuals and groups that are better placed to make meaningful change in the fight against HIV and AIDS. While the Prime Minister’s presence in the meeting was appreciated, there were calls for the premier to be more committed to the objective of the forum. However, strategies are yet to be explored on how best to make the forum meaningful.    

Male Circumcision in Swaziland – Dr. V. Magagula, MOH

Dr. Magagula’s presentation gave an indication what the country has in place in relation to Male Circumcision (MC). First, he gave a historical background of MC in relation to the prevalence of HIV globally and in the African continent. He examined the current situation in the country in relation to MC and HIV further giving the rationale for the practice of MC. Dr. Magagula outlined the step taken by the country with regards to MC further highlighting the contents of the MC Policy.

ART programme in Swaziland – Dr. V. Okello, National ART Co-ordinator SNAP, MOH

Dr. Okello’s presentation gave an understanding of the current situation with the ART programme in the country, starting with the background of the programme, its success and the challenges faced.

Way Forward and Agenda for next SPAFA Meeting;

Derek von Wissell – NERCHA Director

As has been in previous meetings, participants were asked to set the agenda for the meeting. The director highlighted that, so far, SPAFA has held discussions on the impact of HIV, Food security and food issues and the ART rollout which was inclusive of male circumcision. He pointed out that the 2009 Smart Partnership Forum will be held between June 24, 25 and 26. The theme for this meeting will be on HIV and its impact.

In coming up with the theme for the next meeting, it was observed that the HIV prevalence rate is higher among females than males as per the indications of the ANC survey. It was proposed that the next meeting address Gender and HIV issues. The objective is to present concrete suggestions on programmes to encourage women’s self esteem, respect and empowerment as a way to reduce the gender difference in the prevalence.

The meeting suggested that the mandate of the forum be strengthened by involving other speakers from other sectors. The minister of health stated that they include the HIV/AIDS Portfolio committee in the next SPAFA meeting. He expressed his appreciation to UNDP for their continued support to this gathering. The meeting was closed with a word of prayer.