The NNFU in response to HIV/AIDS in the Communal Areas of the Republic of Namibia
The NNFU; in its stretched and tested involvement and participation in the communal farming industry , regards the dangers and challenges posted by the HIV and AIDS phenomenon on communal agriculture to be sufficient , to demoralize and disable effective agricultural activity the reach of efficient production levels and maximized labour force delivery. As individual, household, community and national economy and existence is under threat, the NNFU's commitment towards responding to HIV and AIDS is in motion through active engagement in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The Namibia National Farmers Union HIV/AIDS Program, in collaboration with its development partners (GTZ/DED) commenced on the 1st of September 2008. The program is headed by a National Programmes Officer, appointed by the NNFU and a Technical Advisor commissioned by GTZ/DED envisaging to respond to the diverse impacts of HIV/AIDS on the livelihoods of the communal farming communities in Namibia, with focus on resource capacity and confidence building; information and education distribution within the HIV and AIDS realm, through its (12) affiliated regional farmers unions, guided by an strategic plan.
The strategic plan structure of the program rest on (5) main components which are designed in such a way to render a holistic perspective to the NNFU response; covering:
The Namibia National Farmers Union HIV/AIDS Program, in collaboration with its development partners (GTZ/DED) commenced on the 1st of September 2008. The program is headed by a National Programmes Officer, appointed by the NNFU and a Technical Advisor commissioned by GTZ/DED envisaging to respond to the diverse impacts of HIV/AIDS on the livelihoods of the communal farming communities in Namibia, with focus on resource capacity and confidence building; information and education distribution within the HIV and AIDS realm, through its (12) affiliated regional farmers unions, guided by an strategic plan.
The strategic plan structure of the program rest on (5) main components which are designed in such a way to render a holistic perspective to the NNFU response; covering:
- the creation of an enabling environment for all communal farmers infected and affected by HIV/AIDS (addressing human rights, culture, acceptance, openness and compassion);
- prevention and awareness (to reduce new infections with HIV and STI's through community sensitization, mobilization and promotion);
- access to cost effective and quality treatment, care and support services for all (through expanded health information and referral tools);
- strengthened and expanded capacity to mitigate socio - economic impacts of HIV and AIDS(by introducing compensatory and diversified agricultural and SME systems and projects);
- integrated and coordinated programme management (building strong relations and cooperate with partners in the multi - sectoral scope) ; and
- institutional capacity development and expansion (to remain on par with the developments on all levels of the AIDS response internally and in general including surveillance and research) ;