HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan for the Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland

Transcription

1 Kingdom of Swaziland The Parliament Kingdom of Swaziland HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan for the Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland

2 Foreword HIV and AIDS epidemic remains the greatest sustainable human development challenge for Swaziland. The social and economic impacts are being felt across all levels of society. The epidemic is compromising the economic gains since independence and the ability for communities to sustain livelihoods. At community and household levels the epidemic is threatening to break traditional coping mechanisms (safety nets) and perpetuate household food insecurity security. As the epidemic unfolds and more resources are used to address HIV and AIDS related challenges, national investment in strategic areas such as education, health care, agriculture and development of human capital is reduced. The cost of replacing skilled persons is high, especially in skills-scarce economies. The epidemic may have a significant impact on Swaziland s capacity to absorb and utilise resources earmarked for social and economic development. The epidemic will continue to deepen poverty among many households and communities. Over the years Swaziland has made significant progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS especially in prevention, treatment and mitigating socioeconomic impacts. The Government of Swaziland is committed to halt and reverse the epidemic and in particular prevent new HIV infections from occurring, while at the same time providing quality and comprehensive care and support to all people affected or living with HIV. His Majesty King Mswati declared HIV/AIDS as a national disaster for the Kingdom of Swaziland in The parliamentary HIV/AIDS strategic plan therefore provides the opportunity for the response to be more effective in preventing new infections, enhancing care, treatment, and support, and mitigating the impacts of HIV and AIDS. This opportunity can only be seized if we all identify our roles, responsibilities and take appropriate actions. We as Members of Parliament must be proactive in addressing HIV and AIDS. It is for this reason that the Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland has developed this Strategic Plan to guide the Members of Parliament in their participation in the fight against HIV and AIDS. The Strategic plan is aligned to the National Strategic Framework for HIV and AIDS It has identified areas where we as members of Parliament and as community leaders have the mandate and comparative advantage to act. We must demonstrate our commitment through leadership, role modelling and through active participation in the national response. HIV and AIDS is our collective concern. Now is time to take action. The Speaker Parliament of Swaziland The Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland 1

3 Preface The HIV/AIDS strategic plan for the Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland provides a roadmap for effective engagement with Parliamentarians in responding to the epidemic. The plan was developed through a consultative process involving and other stakeholders and in particular and the Ministry of Health and Social welfare. The plan is a response to the national call for all people and sectors in Swaziland to develop and implement effective interventions based on the individual stakeholders comparative advantage and mandate. The collective response is aimed at helping Swaziland halt and start reversing the epidemic in line with Declaration of Commitment The plan, the first of its kind for the Parliament of Swaziland, focuses on strategic areas where can make a difference in advocacy work related to policy and legislation reviews and formulation, in service delivery and in executing their oversight mandate of ensuring effective and efficient implementation of national programmes including the National Strategic Framework for HIV and AIDS. The Strategic Plan provides a framework for to engage their constituencies (Tinkhundla) by providing leadership in addressing key issues including the drivers of the epidemic. Some of the obvious entry points at the Tinkhundla level will be to engage communities in discussions around multiple and concurrent partnerships, inter-generational sex, alcohol abuse and gender based violence among others, among others. The involvement and participation of the members of Parliament to implement this plan will be a measure of commitment not only to respective constituencies but also to the nation as a whole. To a large extent policy decision taken in parliament determine the course of the national multi-sectoral response to HIV and AIDS. The strategic plan recognises the need to strengthen the capacity of to implement the Strategic Plan. In this respect the Strategic Plan has prioritised capacity development of in critical areas including advocacy, policy analysis, gender and human rights mainstreaming. This will be coupled with increased awareness, knowledge and understanding of the complexities of the epidemic. One of the key milestones of the plan is the development of a comprehensive HIV and AIDS workplace programme for and other staff of the Parliament. Although the commitment of the is to implement the Strategic Plan during the life of the current parliament, the plan sets the foundation for continued HIV and AIDS work beyond the current Parliament. Effective implementation therefore will mark the legacy of the current parliamentarians. We must stand to be counted in the fight against HIV and AIDS. It is our duty and national call. Our response will echo across the nation and become a catalyst for action. Therefore let act now and not tomorrow. HON. MDUDUZI MABUZA Chairperson House of Assembly and SENATOR HON THULI MSANE Chairperson - Senate 2 The Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland

4 Acronyms AIDS ART GBV gipa HIV MCP mdg MOHSW mp(s) NAP NASA NSF OVC plhiv RAP REMSCHACC RBM sadc SADC-PF ungass TIMSHACC CHIMSHACC moe UNAIDS UNDP Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome Antiretroviral Therapy Gender Based Violence Greater Involvement of People Living with AIDS Human Immune Virus Multiple and Concurrent Partnerships Millennium Development Goals Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Members of Parliament National Operational Plan National AIDS Spending Assessment National Emergency Council for HIV and AIDS National Strategic Framework (for HIV and AIDS) Orphans and Vulnerable Children People Living With HIV Regional Action Plan Regional Multi-sectoral HIV and AIDS Coordinating Committee Results Based Management Southern African Development Community Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum United Nations General Assembly Special Session Tinkhundla Multisectoral HIV and AIDS Coordinating Committee Chiefdom Multisectoral HIV and AIDS Coordinating Committee Ministry of Education United Nations Joint HIV and AIDS Programme United Nations Development Programme The Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland 3

5 Table of Contents Foreword 1 Preface 2 Acronyms 3 1. Background Information 5 2. Purpose of the Strategic Plan 7 3. Guiding Principles 8 4. Epidemiology of HIV and AIDS in Swaziland 9 5. The Strategic Plan Overview Linking the Strategic Plan to National Development Programmes and Frameworks Capacity Development Advocacy, Policy and Legislation Creating and enabling environment Service Delivery Resource Mobilisation Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Oversight Operational Plan 17 4 The Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland

6 1. Background Information The 2000 Addis Ababa meeting on HIV and AIDS resulted in the production of the African Consensus and Plan of Action: Leadership to Overcome HIV and AIDS, a document that was later endorsed by the African Heads of State meeting in Abuja in April The Addis Ababa Consensus highlighted the centrality of leadership in responding to HIV and AIDS. This position is equally shared by the SADC parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) and is particular importance for SADC Member States given the high prevalence rate of HIV infection in the region. In responding to the challenge of developing leadership for HIV and AIDS, SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) has developed a HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan. The plan is further intended to guide the implementation of the Maseru Declaration on HIV and AIDS(2003), the Maputo Declaration accelerating HIV prevention(2005) and the 2006 Brazzaville Commitment on Scaling Up Towards Universal Access to HIV and AIDS Prevention, Treatment, Care and Support in Africa by The priority for the SADC PF HIV and AIDS Strategic plan is to: Reduce the incidence of HIV and AIDS infection and its social, economic and cultural impacts in the region through enhancing HIV and AIDS competence of members of parliament in SADC countries to better perform their oversight, lawmaking and representation roles in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Reducing new HIV infections by 50% by 2015 is the priority for SADC PF in the coming five years. The new SADC PF HIV and AIDS strategic and business plan was endorsed in November 2009 by Ministers of Health and Directors of National AIDS Authorities in Mbabane Swaziland. The SADC Members States, including Swaziland through National HIV and AIDS Sessional Committees, are expected to ensure that the Strategic Plan is implemented. Swaziland has responded in many ways to this call. The HIV and AIDS Sessional Committee of the 9 th Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland, recognizes the recently developed results and evidence based Swaziland National Multisectoral HIV and AIDS Strategic Framework , which calls for a multi - sectoral participation. The Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development (MTAD) has also developed the HIV and AIDS Coordination Framework, in which Members of Parliament are expected to participate in its implementation. Several other sectors have functional HIV and AIDS programmes. The Parliament of Swaziland has also developed its HIV and AIDS strategic plan. It is evident that Members of Parliament have a greater comparative advantage in addressing HIV and AIDS than most leaders. Communities believe in their leadership and through Tinkhundla Development Committee can effectively advocate for mainstreaming HIV and AIDS in community development programmes. By mainstreaming HIV and AIDS are able to influence communities to address a wide range of HIV and AIDS issues, including concurrent partnerships, male circumcision, condom usage, HIV Testing, Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT), Care and Support of People Living with HIV and AIDS and care of Orphaned and Vulnerable Children. The Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland 5

7 At the Parliamentary level the HIV and AIDS Sessional Committee on HIV and AIDS is providing leadership to strengthen the capacity of to address HIV and AIDS. It is only when are well informed and provided with necessary skills, can they take appropriate actions both at Parliament and Tinkhundla level. In building up the moment to develop the Parliamentary HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan, The HIV and AIDS Sessional Committee hosted the Champions for an HIV Free Generation that included the former President of Botswana Mr Festus Mogae, former Vice President of Uganda Dr Speciosa Wandira and Professor Were from Kenya in Part of the discussions with the Champions revolved around the advocacy role of parliamentarians on issues such as policy and legislation. The Swazi Parliamentarians were motivated to be advocates on HIV and AIDS issues with their constituencies. The visit by the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Mr Michel Sedibe, further increased the momentum of Parliamentarians to be involved in the zero new HIV infection drive and in ensuring that Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) is addressed at all levels. It is behind this background that Parliament led by the HIV and AIDS Sessional Committee is developing this vibrant HIV and AIDS Programme, which will empower Parliamentarians to actively participate in their respective Tinkhundla Committees and engage their constituencies on HIV and AIDS. Through the implementation of the Strategic plan, the will contribute prevention interventions. The HIV Prevention strategy for Swaziland is to reduce exposure to HIV, reduce the probability of transmission when a person is exposed to HIV, and influence changes in societal norms, values and practices that tend to impact on people s ability to address one or more of the epidemic drivers. The identified epidemic drivers include multiple and concurrent partnerships, alcohol abuse, gender inequalities, inter-generational sex, and income inequalities among others. Strengthening partnerships with communities through outreach programmes will be an essential strategy in addressing these drivers. It is only through effective prevention interventions coupled with effective treatment, care and support will the quality of life of Swazi people be improved. In the case for treatment care and support the priority is to reduce AIDS related mortality and morbidity through provision of ART, nutrition, and psychosocial support among other services. The Members of Parliament in particular have a strategic role to play in ensuring universal access to quality and comprehensive HIV and AIDS services. First, they have the mandate from the electorate to provide adequate leadership in issues of national interest and concern such as HIV and AIDS. Second, they have a greater comparative advantage to influence government and community decisions on important issues such as addressing the social (e.g. multiple and concurrent partnerships) and structural (e.g. poverty, gender inequalities) drivers of the epidemic. Their role in influencing government mechanisms in decision making, policy and legislation that have significant impact on the way the nation responds to HIV and AIDS is very important. 6 The Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland

8 2. The Purpose of the Strategic Plan The purpose of the Parliamentary HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan are to: i. Capacitate Members of Parliament with knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the Inkhundla HIV and AIDS strategies ii. Provide a platform for to advocate for technical support and availability of HIV and AIDS related services including condoms, medical male circumcision, PMTCT and VCT services among other services. iii. Create opportunities for to develop strategic partnerships with other stakeholders and in particular civil society organizations (CSO) and Private sector in their constituencies. iv. Advocate for viable projects that could be supported through the Rural Development Fund and Youth Empowerment Fund, which would assist in improving the welfare of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and other vulnerable populations. v. Facilitate monitoring of HIV and AIDS activities by vi. Monitor the alignment by stakeholders of their HIV and AIDS programmes and the M&E systems with national systems. The Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland 7

9 3. The Guiding Principles In implementing the Strategic Plan, the Members of Parliament will take cognisance of the Guiding Principles articulated in the National Strategic Framework (NSF) and apply them within the context of their work. i. Result-Based Management of the HIV Response: Given the national oversight responsibilities of Parliament on national development, Members of parliament will take more interest to ensure that Swaziland focus on measurable results. ii. Evidence-Based Planning: Members of Parliament will ensure that policies, legislation and decisions related to HIV and AIDS, including decisions on resource allocation are evidence based. iii. Gender Equality: The will promote gender equality with emphasis on issues that target gender based epidemic drivers. They will advocate mainstreaming of gender and HIV and AIDS in development processes and projects. iv. Adherence to Human Rights. As custodians of the Constitution of Swaziland, will ensure adherence and respect for human rights especially for those people affected and or living with HIV and AIDS. i. Community Engagement and Participation in HIV and AIDS Interven tions. As representatives of the people, will engage their electorates in community based HIV and AIDS interventions and provide leadership in identifying community based solutions. v. National Accountability: As part of their oversight responsibility, will advocate for efficient and timely reporting on regional and international undertakings including MDGs, SADC and African Union HIV and AIDS related declarations. 8 The Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland

10 4. Epidemiology of HIV and AIDS in Swaziland Swaziland has one of the highest HIV prevalence in the world. Approximately 26% (31% women and 20% men) aged years, 14% of people aged 50 years and above and 3% of children aged 0-14 are living with HIV and AIDS. It is further estimated that 21.5% of infants born to HIV positive mother are HIV positive. Most (90%) of the new infections occur through heterosexual contact. In the case for children 14 years and below HIV is usually transmitted through mother to child transmission, sexual abuse, and or among children engaged in sexual activities at an early age. The epidemic in Swaziland is fuelled by behavioural, structural and biological drivers that include multiple and concurrent partnerships, low and inconsistent use of condoms, inter-generational sex, income inequality, mobility and migration, commercial sex, early sexual debut, gender inequalities and sexual violence, low levels of male circumcision, alcohol and drug abuse. The epidemic has a gender bias with more women living with HIV and also bearing the burden of care and support The following table provides the epidemiological summary of the epidemic in Swaziland Adult prevalence (2007) 26% Estimated number of adults and children living with HIV (2007) Range: 171,000 to Women as a percentage of adults living with HIV and AIDS 59% Annual rate of new infections in adults years 3% Projected number of new infections in adults (2008) 13,060 Projected number of new infections among children (2008) 3,147 Projected AIDS deaths amongst adults (2008) 9,247 Projected Deaths amongst children (2008) 2,711 Estimated (total) number of orphans (2008) Range: 110,460 to 117,373 Source: SDHS (2007) The Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland 9

11 5. The Strategic Plan 5.0 Overview Southern African region is the epicentre of the HIV and AIDS epidemic and Swaziland is one of the worst affected countries in the region with the highest HIV prevalence of 26% in the adult population (15-49 years). Responding to HIV and AIDS is therefore a matter of urgency and collective responsibility. The need for collective leadership in the national response was emphasised by the Addis Ababa leadership workshop. The call has encouraged Parliaments in Member States to develop their own strategic plans that are aligned to the SADC PF and National Strategic Frameworks. The priority for these plans is prevention of new infections and accelerating treatment and care. In moving these agenda forward the SADC Parliamentary Forum has launched the 50 X15 prevention movement following the consultative meetings held on 16 th 17 th July 2009 in Tshwane - South Africa with participation of government agencies and civil society. The movement is intended to galvanise country support and implementation of prevention interventions. The Swaziland HIV and AIDS Sessional Committee has committed itself to support the movement and advocate for the implementation of interventions identified by the movement. As a result the Parliament of Swaziland in collaboration with and SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), have initiated the development of the HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan for the Parliament. The Plan is tool that will be used to mobilize parliamentarians and create a broad awareness among them of HIV and AIDS, and in particular articulate what they can do to combat the epidemic. The plan identifies and articulates critical areas of interventions where Parliamentarians can make a difference given their parliamentary and electorate mandates and comparative advantages. The Strategic Plan is premised on the understanding that Swaziland has adopted a multi-sectoral and decentralised approach in her response to HIV and AIDS. The are a key stakeholder in the national response and have strategic role to play. By virtue of their Parliamentary mandate they have a greater comparative advantage to influence decision making, policy formulation and legislation that impact on the implementation of the national HIV and AIDS response. In their capacity as community leaders they are better positioned to provide strong community leadership and role modelling in community mobilisation, community engagement and in finding community solutions to community based HIV and AIDS challenges such as multiple and concurrent partnerships, gender inequalities and alcohol abuse among others. The Strategic Plan is organised around five components i.e. Advocacy, policy and legislation; Governance and leadership, Community outreach, Resource mobilisation and Monitoring and reporting oversight. These are areas where the have a strong legal mandate and comparative advantage. Their actions complement those of other stakeholders as they provide political and policy guidance, create and strengthen an enabling environment, and promote national and community ownership. 10 The Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland

12 The implementation of the strategic plan will take place at parliamentary and community levels. At Parliamentary level, the will focus on issues of policy, legislation, advocacy and monitoring oversight. At community level, It is anticipated that the will play a dual role of providing community leadership and role modelling, while at the same time, take a proactive position to engage communities in strategic interventions that address HIV and AIDS in the communities their represent in Parliament. The strategic plan will contribute to specific national priorities and results that are articulated in the National Strategic Framework In a multi-sectoral environment where the national response is complex and dynamic the achievement of the NSF results is collective. This calls for the establishment of strategic partnership and alliances between stakeholders including the members of Parliament. The Strategic Plan will be reviewed annual in line with government annual planning cycle. At the end of two years the Plan will be formally reviewed to ensure its continued relevance and alignment with the national priorities. Overall the plan will run for duration of the current Parliament. 5.1 Linking the Strategic Plan to National Development Programmes and Frameworks. Swaziland recognises that HIV and AIDS is a development, health and human rights issue. This understanding necessitates that the response be multi-pronged and multisectoral in nature. This can only be achieved by mainstreaming HIV and AIDS in the overall national policy and socioeconomic development frameworks. By anchoring the national response in the socioeconomic development processes, stakeholders are able to meaningfully address epidemic drivers and other factors that fuel the epidemic such as income and gender inequality, domestic violence, food insecurity, and households inability to meet basic needs. These are factors that drive people to risky behaviours making them vulnerable to HIV infection. Given the complex and multi-sectoral natural of the epidemic, it is necessary to ensure that the HIV and AIDS response is seen as a part of the overall socioeconomic development of the country. It is for this reason that the Strategic Plan is aligned to the National Strategic Framework (NSF) for HIV and AIDS. NSF itself is aligned to national policy and development frameworks such as Vision 2022, National Development Strategy, the Poverty Reduction Strategy and Action Programme. The alignment and harmonisation allows Swaziland to implement an effective multi-sectoral programme that all stakeholders can contribute to the response based on their mandate and comparative advantage. It is only through a collective response that Swaziland can achieve the results it aspires to and in particular the quality of life of her people. 5.2 Capacity Development Good governance and leadership of the national HIV and AIDS response at national and community is a prerequisite for an effective response. This is an expectation that the people of Swaziland expect from the Members of The Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland 11

13 Parliament given their leadership mandate and national oversight responsibility for ensuring efficient and effective service delivery. The Kingdom of Swaziland is committed and has demonstrated its political and social commitment to good governance and leadership around HIV and AIDS issues. This commitment is in line with the UNGASS Declaration (2001) of Commitment on HIV and AIDS. The Strategic Plan articulates a set of interventions that Members of Parliament can undertake as part of their oversight role to ensure that institutions that are established to coordinate and manage the national HIV and AIDS response meet the public and global expectations in terms of being efficient and effective and accountable. 5.3 Advocacy Policy and Legislation - Creating an Enabling Environment. HIV and AIDS challenges transcend institutional boundaries and hence calls for a collective response. Such a response can only be achieved given an enabling policy and legal environment. This is an area where have the mandate and greatest comparative advantage above all other stakeholders. An enabling environment is dependent on the existence and implementation of adequate policies and enforcement of applicable legal instruments. Policies and legislation are necessary as they constitute the basis for planning, implementation and accountability of the national multi-sectoral and decentralised HIV and AIDS response. In addition to having adequate policies and legislation, an enabling environment must be firmly anchored on basic human rights, gender equality, social protection and appreciation that all people have unique contributions to make. These are issues that Parliamentarians are custodians of. Parliamentarians can play a key role in advocacy and lobbying work to influence policy decisions in critical areas including national and sectoral policy reviews to mainstream HIV and AIDS, legal review to ensure social protection and adherence to basic human rights. They have an oversight responsibility of ensuring that policies implemented and legislation are enforced. The national HIV and AIDS response is also dependent on effective and efficient systems, and resource sufficient to support the implementation. It is here that the have the ability to leverage resources for HIV and AIDS through advocacy and representation in Parliament and in advocating for innovative ways domestic resource mobilisation. It is the duty of Parliamentarians to safeguard and protect basic human rights of PLHIV, orphans and vulnerable children, women and girls and other vulnerable groups (i.e. people with disability) especially within the context of stigma and discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS. Similarly, given the gender bias of the epidemic, Members of Parliament can advocate, deliberate and initiate the development of policies and other instruments that eliminate gender inequality and empower women and address discrimination in the workplace. It is only by empowering with knowledge and understanding of HIV and AIDS issues and the complexity around them, will they be able to make informed strategic choices and decisions for the country. The priority of the 12 The Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland

14 strategic plan is to ensure that Members of Parliament are sufficiently aware and informed on the complex HIV and AIDS issues around prevention, treatment and impact mitigation. It is evident that there is need to review existing legislation to accelerate mainstreaming of HIV and AIDS, gender and human rights to address existing and emerging planning and service delivery gaps. Adequate and appropriate legislation is equally important in facilitating a process for conflict resolution, and management of the epidemic especially in the workplace and within development projects. Such initiatives will complement Swaziland s ratification of international and regional protocols and conventions on HIV and AIDS, and human rights. However, addressing these issues will require a holistic and comprehensive approach where members of Parliament can provide policy, social and political leadership. 5.4 Service Delivery Participation and involvement by Members of Parliament in HIV and AIDS response is to a large extent dependent on how they are mobilised, their level of awareness of HIV and AIDS, their knowledge of available services, their understanding of the rights of people to access and HIV and AIDS related services and the obstacles they face. The Strategic Plan service delivery component is intended to strengthen a mechanism for meaningful engagement and participation by Members of Parliament in community based HIV and AIDS interventions. It is here that can demonstrate they support to constituencies they represent by way of initiating, supporting or providing leadership and role modelling in community efforts against HIV and AIDS. At the community level the entry point for in engaging with respective communities is the Inkhundla and chiefdoms. The Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development (MTAD) has developed an HIV and AIDS Coordination Framework that provides guidance on coordination of service delivery from the regional level to Tinkhundla and at community level. It is within this framework that can advocate for accelerated and improved service delivery systems by all stakeholders. In ensuring effective engagement, the Strategic Plan suggest that the beginning point is creating awareness among not only of HIV and AIDS issues alone, but also on interventions that communities are undertaking or plan to undertake. In this regard a comprehensive services mapping at constituency level provides a unique resource for engagement. By understanding the nature, coverage and effectiveness of specific interventions, the are then able to play their role of advocacy, leadership and even spearhead community based resource (financial and material) mobilisation in support of such interventions. This also helps the to identify critical areas for creating strategic partnerships and alliances with other stakeholders including private sector institutions. Similarly the community outreach provides a unique platform for to address social and cultural norms and practices that drive the epidemic such as multiple and concurrent partnerships, alcohol abuse, intergenerational sex, gender inequalities and gender based violence. By having address these issues at community level gives the community the opportunity to understand and link the strategies with government policies and appropriate legislation. The Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland 13

15 In this context and during the implementation o the Strategic Plan, HIV and AIDS education and awareness programmes will be organised for. Similarly specific workshops will be organised to create awareness and understanding the context of existing policies and legislation as they relate to HIV and AIDS. This will also include regular briefing sessions by and other key stakeholders such as Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Private sector and civil society representatives. It is the expectation that the will conduct community outreach activities in the constituencies they represent and report back to the Parliamentary HIV and AIDS Committee. Their involvement will primarily revolve around advocacy, leadership, and awareness creation making sure that their constituencies understand and appreciate government policies and legislation on HIV and AIDS. Some community based activities suggested for include the following: Community feedback sessions on HIV and AIDS policies and legislation and how they relate or impact on community initiatives. Advocacy on issues such as multiple and current partnerships, alcohol abuse, male circumcision, HIV counselling and testing, stigma and discrimination, support for vulnerable people (OVC, herds boys, PLHIV, people with disability etc). Facilitating community mobilisation and planning for HIV and AIDS at community level. This may include building and strengthening partnerships with other institutions. Consultations through community conversations and other similar forums and methods on community concerns. This activity provides a good opportunity for to exercise their oversight monitoring responsibilities. 5.5 Resource Mobilisation One of the greatest challenges of the national HIV and AIDS response is availability of adequate financial, human and technological resources. Inadequate resources have serious implications on the sustainability of the response. Without adequate resources universal access and sustainability of prevention, treatment, care and support services cannot be realised. Against this background it is evident that Members of Parliament can play a vital role in ensuring that national response is sustainably resourced. The role and comparative advantage revolves around advocacy work for increased domestic resources from government and private sector. In the case of Swaziland continuing attracting international financial support, there is need to strengthen the enabling policy and legal environment where accountability and transparency for resources and services is assured. In order to move towards sustainability of HIV and AIDS interventions, a lot more work needs to be done in exploring alternative and innovative financing mechanisms and subsequent formulation of policies and legislation that support operationalisation of such strategies. These are strategic areas where Members of Parliament must engage in. 14 The Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland

16 Similarly Parliamentarians are better positioned to advocate for evidence based resource allocation and equitable distribution in line with national priorities. Three of the most important priorities include adequate financing for prevention, antiretroviral therapy and the care and support of orphans and vulnerable children. Similarly have an oversight responsibility to track how resources are being used for the implementation of the national programme. While is responsible for day to day tracking of resources, Parliament has the duty to follow up resource utilisation. Consequently it is envisaged that, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Health will provide scheduled briefing for Members of Parliament on HIV and AIDS financing and resource utilisation. This will process will ensure an oversight monitoring of resources and in particular following up areas that are not adequately funded and addressing the associated barriers. Some of the most often underfunded areas include activities such as advocacy, communication, human rights education and awareness as results are not immediately visible. With regard to development of human resources necessary for national HIV and AIDS response, advocacy work will be required around strategies on skills development and staff retention. This will require a macro level view of overall human capital development and advocacy work with government to mainstream HIV and AIDS skills training in tertiary institutions such as the University of Swaziland or Institute of Development Management among others. Members of Parliament can initiate and sustain the advocacy process during Parliamentary debates or while considering sectoral submission including reviews of the Vision 2022 and the National Development Strategy. A key action on sustainable financing for HIV is for Parliament through to commission a study on sustainable and innovative financing of HIV and AIDS. The HIV and AIDS Committee in Parliament would take leadership on such an initiative. Other options for sustainability would include but not limited to the establishment of a HIV and AIDS fund and or levy. 5.6 Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Oversight A key mandate of Parliamentarians is the monitoring oversight responsibility on the implementation of the national multi-sectoral response and in particular on financial resources availability and utilisation. This is in addition to ensuring accountability for services and governance of the response through the established national and regional coordinating structures.. In ensuring accountability and good governance, effective and efficient monitoring and reporting systems are essential for a national HIV and AIDS response. In this context the monitoring oversight responsibility for Parliamentarians will depend on efficient tracking and reporting on the progress by and other stakeholders especially Ministries of Health and Social Welfare, and Finance respectively. In services delivery the oversight responsibility is primary to ensure that stakeholders are compliant with service standards and adherence to basic human rights of PLHIV, OVC and being gender sensitive. A key focus for Parliamentarians is to ensure value for money for the investments being made for the HIV and AIDS response. The Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland 15

17 This will only be tracked through effective monitoring by and reporting on performance towards agreed results. It is equally important to ensure that Swaziland fulfils its international and regional obligations such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), Universal Access, Africa Union and SADC declarations on HIV and AIDS. Parliament will require active follow up on the documentation and reporting on these initiatives in a timely manner. This will require a systematic engagement with and downstream service providers such as relevant line ministries, civil society organisations, private sector and development partners through formal mechanism of briefings, public hearings and consultations, and programme reviews among others. It is only through a regular review of performance towards the achievement of results articulated in the National Strategic Framework for HIV and AIDS can Parliamentarians know whether or not the nation is getting value for money and its people are benefiting from the planned services. This will inevitably demand stronger commitment by political leaders. 16 The Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland

18 5.7 Operational Plan The following matrixes articulate the output results, main and sub activities that will be implemented. The Sessional HIV and AIDS Committee will take the leadership in ensuring the timely implementation of the plan. The matrix have also identified collaborating partners that the Sessional Committee will engage to provide technical assistance, and or facilitate the process of implementing certain activities Capacity Development Output Result Main Activity Sub Activity % of community leaders trained in leadership, planning, and implementation of community level (Tinkhundla) interventions is strengthened and has increased to 50% in 2011 and 90% in 2014 Capacity development for Members of Parliament on HIV and AIDS, Gender and Human rights Strengthen the leadership skills for HIV and AIDS response Provide training and continue with sensitization on HIV and AIDS, gender and human rights for Members of Parliament Provide forum for members of Parliament and service Implementation time Frame providers to dialogue on HIV and AIDS services * * * * Conduct leadership skills development workshops Yr-1 Yr-2 Yr-3 Yr-4 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Collaborating Partners Sessional Committee,, UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF and NGOs Sessional Committee,, UN agencies TIMSCHACC, UNAIDS, UNDP, TIMSCHACC, SADC PF Facilitate advocacy sessions in Parliament on HIV and AIDS including addressing the drivers of HIV * * * * * * * Sessional Committee Conduct training on key issues such as human rights, gender and drivers of the epidemic to sharpen their understanding of issues in the context of national policy, legislation and culture. Facilitate strategic partnership and strategic alliances development between, local authorities, traditional and religious leaders Make HIV and AIDS a standing agenda during all constituency meetings and consultations * * * * Participate in organised joint review sessions of the NSF especially at National (on policy and funding issues) and community (service delivery) levels Become a role model for young people by adopting safe * * * * * * * * * * * * * practices * * * * * * *, UNAIDS, UNDP, TIMSCHACC, SADC PF, TIMSHACC and Chiefdom, Chiefdom, Tinkhundla Youth Groups The Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland 17

19 % of coordinating structures implementing HIV response within defined roles and responsibilities has increased to 60% in 2011 and 75% in 2014 % of sectors that have undertaken capacity assessment and have developed capacity have increased to 50% in 2011 and 70% in 2014 Define roles of Parliamentarians at Inkhundla HIV and AIDS Committees Develop inventory of HIV service providers at Inkhundla level Develop partnership between NGOs working on HIV and AIDS, Gender and Human Rights with Hold quarterly meetings between NGO and on service delivery Facilitate coordinated service delivery at Inkhundla level in response to HIV and AIDS epidemic Equip secretariat offices at Parliament and Tinkhundla levels to coordinate HIV and AIDS interventions. Develop the human resource capacity of the Parliamentary HIV and AIDS Committee Develop TOR on roles of Parliamentarians in national response and Inkhundla level * Sessional Committee,, UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF and NGOs Tinkhundla, REMSHACC Support coordination of service delivery at Inkhundla level * * * * Inkhundla Secretary Tinkhundla, REMSHACC Establish working relationships to allow implementation of HIV services at Inkhundla level * Inkhundla Secretary Reporting sessions and planning for implementation in next quarter * * * * Develop Action Plans on HIV and AIDS at Inkhundla level * * * * Inkhundla Secretary Tinkhundla, REMSHACC Inkhundla Secretary TIMSHACC Hold meetings with development partners to mobilise support for HIV and AIDS plan * * * * * * * Sessional Committee Facilitate implementation of Inkhundla HIV and AIDS campaign and celebration of Inkhundla World AIDS day on an annual basis Facilitate service delivery at Inkhundla level * * * * * * * * Inkhundla Secretary Tinkhundla, REMSHACC Inkhundla Secretary Tinkhundla, REMSHACC Procure essential office equipment (computer, furniture) * Sessional Committee Provide additional human resource (M&E, Programme Officer and Secretary) to the Parliamentary HIV and AIDS Coordination Office Advocate for mainstreaming of staff position (including * Sessional Committee budgets) in government establishment * * Sessional Committee 18 The Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland

20 5.7.2 Advocacy, Policy and Legislation Creating an enabling environment Output Result Main Activity Sub Activity Implementation time Frame Collaborating Partners Yr-1 Yr-2 Yr-3 Yr-4 Advocacy and Lobbying: Train Parliamentarians on HIV and AIDS advocacy and, UNAIDS,UNDP, communication skills * * * * MOPs, MOT Strengthen advocacy and Develop fact sheets on the key issues for advocacy for Tinkhundla, communications skills education and awareness of * Parliament, UNAIDS, UNAIDS,UNDP, MOPs, MOT % of sectors that have reviewed their policies, programmes and integrated HIV and AIDS activities in their development programmes aligned to NSF has increased from 10% in 2008 to 40% in 2011 and to 60% in 2014 Policy and Legislation: Strengthen the capacity for Legislators to initiate and review policies and legislations to ensure meaningful mainstreaming of HIV, gender and human rights in development and workplace programmes Facilitate national and regional collaboration on HIV and AIDS Develop an advocacy agenda and strategy for HIV and AIDS on key issues identified in the NSF * * * * Organise national panel discussions of key issues such as the epidemic drivers using radio and television * Train on policy and legislation review and analysis skills in the context of HIV and AIDS * * Initiate the development of new policies and legislation to cater for existing gaps * * * * * * * Initiate and coordinate public hearings and panel discussions at national and community levels of proposed legislation and policies * * * * Move a Parliamentary motion to discuss and adopt Policies and legislation on HIV and AIDS brought before Parliament Facilitate representation of the Parliament of Swaziland * * * * * * * in Regional Forum of SADC PF * * * * Facilitate information sharing at country level on SADC strategies for responding to HIV and AIDS * * * * * * * Facilitate participation of the Parliament of Swaziland in SADC PF organised events * * * * Initiate an exchange programme for to share best practices on HIV and AIDS * * Document and share best practice of Parliamentary response to HIV and AIDS * * * * * * * Strengthen partnerships between, civil society and private sector * * * *, UNAIDS,UNDP, MOPs, MOT Executive (?) Tinkhundla TIMSHACC CHIMSHACC Parliament Executive Parliament HIV Secretariat and Sessional Committee Parliament HIV Secretariat and Sessional Committee Parliament Parliament Sessional Committee Parliament HIV Secretariat and Sessional Committee, Sessional Committee, CSO The Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland 19

21 5.7.3 Service Delivery Output Result Main Activity Sub Activity % of formally employed workers reached with a minimum package of HIV prevention programmes in the last 12 months has increased to 25% in 2011 and 60% in Number of trained peer educators who were active in the last 12 months is increased from 900 in 2008 to 1800 in 2011 and 4500 in % Community leaders and other popular opinion leaders who have been reached by programmes to address multiple and concurrent partnerships has increased to 40% in 2011 and to 80% in 2014 Establish HIV and AIDS Workplace and Wellness programme for Members of parliament and Tinkhundla Committee Organise community based meetings to talk about MCP and other epidemic drivers Implementation time Frame Yr-1 Yr-2 Yr-3 Yr-4 Collaborating Partners Conduct a services availability mapping * * * * Tinkhundla, Define package for workplace welfare programme *, MOHSS Train Peer Counsellors from Members of parliament and Constituency level structures * * * * *, MOHSS Develop a national campaign on MCP * *, UNAIDS, CSO Encourage debate in parliament and community HIV and AIDS Committee, level to discuss MCP and other epidemic drivers * * * * * * * Sessional Committee Distribute educational and awareness materials Tinkhundla and factsheets on HIV and AIDS and epidemic * * * * * * * MOE, Chiefdoms drivers including MCP Organise briefing meetings with community and Tinkhundla religious leaders to mobilise them to support HIV * * * * * Chiefdoms prevention campaign Promote the implementation of 50X15 Prevention, and campaign at Tinkhundla * * * * * * * Tinkhundla.Make Talk on HIV Prevention as standing agenda, Tinkhundla item of Chiefdom, including municipalities HIV and * * * * * * * Chiefdoms AIDS Committees and Inkhundla Facilitate the participation of in national HIV and AIDS * * * * and Tinkhundla Cumulative number of person aged 12 and above who tested for HIV at voluntary counselling and testing site in the last 12 months Take a leadership role to advocate and promote the know your HIV status campaign Facilitate community meetings / conversations to promote HCT * * * * * * * Role model by taking a HIV test * * * * * * * Advocate for scaling up testing service in your constituency * * * * * * * Chiefdoms, and Tinkhundla, Youth Council,, Chiefdoms Tinkhundla 20 The Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland

22 Advocate for the implementation of policies that contribute to vulnerability reduction Organise briefing sessions for on relevant policies and reports on HIV and AIDS related vulnerability reduction * * * * Monitor the implementation of policies for vulnerability reduction * * * * * * * Lobby for resource allocation to support the vulnerability reduction interventions * * * * * * * Number of households receiving all basic external support increased by 50% by 2014 Initiate community economic empowerment programme of women and girls including sustainable livelihoods Advocate for the development and implementation of strategies that address gender based violence Support communities to establish self-sustaining revolving funds run by communities themselves * * * * * * * Organise community based raising to raise the start up funds for such a fund * * * * Through the constituency development committees advocate for vigilant monitoring of GBV and * * * * * * * reporting to law enforcement officers Work with community leaders to create awareness of GBV and in particular rape and their implication * * * * * * * on HIV transmission Resource Mobilisation Output Result Main Activity Sub Activity By 2014 Resource mapping would have been undertaken and two AIDS spending assessment would have been completed Total expenditure on HIV and AIDS by source has increased in 2014 Advocate for increased Government and other domestic funding for HIV and AIDS Advocate for a sustainable multisectoral response Implementation time Frame Yr-1 Yr-2 Yr-3 Yr-4 Review sector budgets to ensure mainstreaming of funding for HIV and AIDS - during financial debate in Parliament * * * * Advocate for allocating funding to sectors for HIV and AIDS activities (internal and external mainstreaming) * * * * * * * Organise periodical briefings for by on the status of national funding for HIV and AIDS * * * * * Advocate with government for the development of financial sustainability for HIV and AIDS * * * * response Tinkhundla, Sessional Committees /Parliament Tinkhundla Tinkhundla Chiefdoms; Tinkhundla, Chiefdoms Tinkhundla, Chiefdoms Collaborating Partners Sessional Committee Sessional Committee NGOs and Sessional Committee and Sessional Committee The Parliament of the Kingdom of Swaziland 21