Municipal responses to HIV and AIDS: a case study of uMgungundlovu district and four of its local municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal
Date
2010-11-16
Authors
Makhathini, Thandeka
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
The study examined the nature of municipal responses to HIV and AIDS in
uMgungundlovu District and its four local municipalities. The study assessed the
responses through an investigation of HIV and AIDS interventions as perceived by
people living with HIV and AIDS and leaders of Community Based Organisations. The
study also examined how HIV and AIDS are taken into account in the Integrated
Development Plan (IDP) process and to evaluate whether people living with HIV and
AIDS and Community Based Organisations are invited to participate in the IDP process.
The other objective was to assess the capacity and support municipalities had in order to
respond to the epidemic.
The study employed a qualitative method of enquiry. Primary and secondary sources
were utilised and they included, in-depth interviews with municipal officials, focus group
discussions with people living with HIV and AIDS and Community Based Organisation
leaders. The study also included the analysis of the following documents: IDP’s
documents, HIV and AIDS Strategic Plans and Policies and projects reports of the five
municipalities. The study found that the municipal response to HIV and AIDS varied
across municipalities however all the five municipalities experienced similar challenges.
The study also found that the municipal response is hampered by human and financial
resource constraints and the limited political will from political leaders and senior
managers.
The study identified that municipalities have begun to understand that HIV and AIDS are
issues that require a range of interventions from local government. This is evident
because municipalities have developed and implemented HIV and AIDS Strategic Plans,
Policies and HIV and AIDS workplace programmes. The study found that municipalities
have initiated various interventions but they are almost health focused. These include
HIV and AIDS awareness activities, VCT, home based care and condom distribution.
This health focused response illustrates that most municipalities are struggling to respond
developmentally.
The study concludes with key findings leading to a range of recommendations. However
there are good practices of HIV and AIDS mainstreaming in uMngeni and Msunduzi
municipalities. It is important that municipalities mainstream HIV and AIDS into the
core mandate of local government. They can do this by integrating HIV and AIDS into
all the phases of the Integrated Development Plan and in all programmes, policies, and
projects of the municipality. Political commitment from political leadership is a critical
element of an effective response as they can play a critical role in driving the HIV and
AIDS strategy and in mobilising local resources as well as impacting on behaviours.
Given the range of non-medical drivers of the HIV epidemic, as well as impacts of
infection, illness and death in households and communities, the fight against HIV and
AIDS won’t be successful outside multi-sectoral partnerships.
It is important that for municipalities to develop solid, collaborative partnerships with
stakeholders from all tiers of government, the private sector and with civil society groups.
It is also critical for municipalities to engage civil society groups because they are the
ones who work with people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. This will enable
municipalities to understand the local situation of the epidemic and planning will be
informed by local realities.