AIDS on the Agenda

AIDS on the Agenda is written for policymakers, managers, and program staff in development and humanitarian agencies, to promote debate about the challenges that confront them in a world which has been changed for ever by the pandemic of AIDS. The book considers three possible responses to the problem: * Do nothing. * Try to specialize in direct AIDS work. * Adapt core programs and internal systems to respond to the impact of AIDS. The author argues for the third approach as the essential initial response. She shows how mainstream work in a wide range of sectors - including food security, livelihoods support, education, health promotion, and emergency provision of water and sanitation - can be modified to reduce susceptibility to HIV infection and vulnerability to the impacts of AIDS. She also offers practical advice on modifying personnel and financial systems to protect the interests of staff and the viability of organizations when operating in AIDS-prone contexts. The text is based on case studies drawn from the experiences of three agencies (ActionAid, Oxfam International, and Save the Children UK) and their partners; and on insights contributed by a wide range of other organizations. The problems inherent in the 'mainstreaming' approach are dealt with frankly and constructively. The comprehensive Resources section offers user-friendly guidance on the following topics: * Researching and predicting the internal impacts of AIDS * Assessing the impacts of AIDS education and awareness-raising * Drafting a workplace policy * Monitoring the impact of AIDS and of internal mainstreaming * Training for mainstreaming AIDS in development and humanitarian work * Undertaking community research for mainstreaming AIDS in development and humanitarian work * Adapting organizational systems

Sue Holden is an Honorary Research Associate at Lancaster University.