The national response to HIV in Swaziland has been driven through the implementation of five consecutive plans: an initial Short Term Plan (STP) 1987-1988; Medium Term Plans I (1990-1992) and II (1993-1996), and two National Multi-sectoral HIV and AIDS Strategic Plans (NSP I 2003-2005 and NSP II 2006-2008). Each plan has ushered in changes on how the national response was to be managed and governed. In 2003 the National Emergency Response Council on HIV and AIDS (NERCHA) was established to coordinate the multi-sectoral response. In 2006 the National Multi-sectoral HIV and AIDS Policy was adopted. In 2006, HIV and AIDS decentralised coordinating structures were established in line with the National Decentralisation Policy of 2005.
While Swaziland has made significant efforts to control the epidemic, HIV prevalence remains among the highest in the world. Sentinel surveillance data show that prevalence among women attending antenatal clinics increased from 3.9% in 1992 to 38.6% in 2002.There is evidence of prevalence stabilising as it shifted from 42.6% in 2004 to 39.2% in 2006 and is at 42% in 2008.
The persistent extremely high HIV prevalence and the devastating impact of HIV on Swazi society necessitate a new approach in the national response. This thinking has informed the development of the new National Strategic Framework (NSF).
The joint review of the NSP II conducted in June/July 2008, suggested a more strategic approach in the national response based on available evidence and focusing on achieving specific results, in addition to meaningfully mainstreaming gender and human rights approaches in the HIV and AIDS planning and programmes. This approach has necessitated a shift from the traditional strategic planning process to the National Strategic Framework planning modality that creates the opportunity for a results based management approach, while at the same time creating opportunities for decentralised regional and sector planning within the context of the three one principles. The NSF approach is premised on the need to harmonise and synchronise the various interventions with national response priorities thereby creating synergy, rationalising the use of available resources and focusing on prioritised and specific results. It is on this premise that the National Strategic Framework for HIV and AIDS 2009 – 2014 has been developed. The approach is guided and informed by a set of principles described in section 2.4 below.
While Swaziland has made significant efforts to control the epidemic, HIV prevalence remains among the highest in the world. Sentinel surveillance data show that prevalence among women attending antenatal clinics increased from 3.9% in 1992 to 38.6% in 2002.There is evidence of prevalence stabilising as it shifted from 42.6% in 2004 to 39.2% in 2006 and is at 42% in 2008.
The persistent extremely high HIV prevalence and the devastating impact of HIV on Swazi society necessitate a new approach in the national response. This thinking has informed the development of the new National Strategic Framework (NSF).
The joint review of the NSP II conducted in June/July 2008, suggested a more strategic approach in the national response based on available evidence and focusing on achieving specific results, in addition to meaningfully mainstreaming gender and human rights approaches in the HIV and AIDS planning and programmes. This approach has necessitated a shift from the traditional strategic planning process to the National Strategic Framework planning modality that creates the opportunity for a results based management approach, while at the same time creating opportunities for decentralised regional and sector planning within the context of the three one principles. The NSF approach is premised on the need to harmonise and synchronise the various interventions with national response priorities thereby creating synergy, rationalising the use of available resources and focusing on prioritised and specific results. It is on this premise that the National Strategic Framework for HIV and AIDS 2009 – 2014 has been developed. The approach is guided and informed by a set of principles described in section 2.4 below.
Country Context
The Kingdom of Swaziland is landlocked with a surface area of 17,364 square kilometres.
The estimated population of Swaziland is 1,018,449 people (Male: 481,428, Female: 537,021). 52% of the population is under the age of 20 years and 79% of the people live in rural areas .
Swaziland is divided into four administrative regions i.e. Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini and Shiselweni. Manzini has the largest industrial site in the country while Lubombo has most of the commercial agriculture plantations. The country is further divided into 55 constituencies known as Tinkhundla and 360 chiefdoms and towns.
RESPONSE