| Summary
Studies confirm that 96% of Zimbabweans are aware of the cause,
method of transmission and ways to prevent HIV/AIDS. In spite
of this very high awareness, over 34% of the sexually active adult
population in Zimbabwe are HIV positive or have AIDS. Therefore
the challenge is how to help people use the information they have
about HIV/AIDS by translating it into behavior changes that prevent
new infections thereby leading to a lower incidence of people
affected by HIV/AIDS.
USAID’s new
strategic objective helps meet this challenge through a package of interventions
that mitigate the impact of the HIV/AIDS crisis in Zimbabwe. Comparative experience
from other developing countries in Africa has informed the strategy that behavior
change preceded by voluntary counseling and testing has been effective in slowing
rates of infection. USAID will also be contributing to the much-needed response
to the burgeoning orphan population. Activity Profile Behavior
Change Resulting from Increased Accessibility to Quality Services with Proven
Effectiveness The hallmark of this program is to promote behavior change
among key high-risk target groups focusing primarily on social marketing of voluntary
HIV counseling and testing (VCT), social marketing of male and female condoms
and targeted innovative media campaign for behavior change. Fourteen VCT clinics
have been established at strategic locations nationwide and plans are underway
to establish more sites in small towns and rural areas. Enhance the Capacity
of Institutions to Formulate and Advocate for Improved HIV/AIDS Policies This
is a critical component in a larger synergy of interventions that will result
in behavior change and the mitigation of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Two major impediments
to the Mission’s Strategic Objective are the silence and stigma surrounding AIDS
and a lack of leadership and policy to fight the AIDS epidemic effectively. This
project will address the root causes of the silence and stigma by creating an
open and healthy dialogue about AIDS, and empowering people to face their HIV
status. It will also encourage civic, religious and political leaders to
speak out about AIDS, and help civil society become a more effective advocate
in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Enhanced Capacity at Regional and Local
levels in Zimbabwe to support Community Responses to orphans and children affected
by HIV/AIDS The activity is aimed at supporting replicable, innovative,
village/community-level, community-based programs and models, which can provide
support and care for the nearly one million orphans and vulnerable children affected
by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Zimbabwe. Beneficiaries All
Zimbabweans can benefit from proven interventions that will decrease their chances
of being affected by HIV/AIDS. Local Partners The
local partners for this program are: Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, the
HIV, STI and TB Unit (formerly National AIDS Coordination Program), Zimbabwe National
Family Planning Council, University of Zimbabwe, National AIDS Council, local
non-governmental organizations and community based organizations. Implementing
Partners A Program Agreement covering all aspects of support under this
program has been signed with the Ministry of Finance. USAID/Zimbabwe provides
its assistance through agreements with Pact, Inc., Population Services International
(PSI), Futures Group and Catholic Relief Services (CRS). Pact competitively awards
sub-grants to Zimbabwean organizations working to mitigate the HIV/AIDS crisis.
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