South African PLHIV network: NAPWA
Summary
NAPWA – South Africa is a non political, non-discriminatory, non governmental, not for profit membership based organization that does not discriminate based on race, age, creed, sex and sexual orientation. NAPWA – South Africa has nine (9) provincial offices, with more than 500 branches and a countless number of ever increasing support groups spread across the country. NAPWA –South Africa enjoys a membership of more than 300 000 drawn in from Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West and Western Cape Province.
Mission and Vision
NAPWA is a non-political, non-discriminatory, non-governmental membership based organization which facilitates and advocates for the social-economic development of people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and the creation of social structures that address issues of care, support and prevention, working in partnership with relevant organizations and the broader community.
Objectives:
- Represent, co-ordinate and communicate the needs of People Living with HIV and AIDS
- Ensure the human rights of all PLHIV are recognized and upheld
- Research of information while protecting PLHIV against any form of exploitation
- Collection and dissemination of accurate and relevant HIV and AIDS information
- Mobilize infected and affected people to unite against the spread & impact of HIV and AIDS
- Develop and sustain PLHIV support groups and structures
- Promote education that is sensitive and specific to the needs of PLHIV
- Provide guidance and support for PLHIV
- Expose and prevent any kind of exploitation of all PLHIV
- Give expression to the needs, demands and human rights of all PLHIV in South Africa through advocacy and activism
- Implement and facilitate capacity building for the empowerment of PLHIV
Current Campaigns
PLHIV Mobilisation
Support Groups for people living with HIV and AIDS, both the infected and affected are launched into NAPWA branches, which are responsible for the implementation of NAPWA programs on the ground. NAPWA boasts of more than 300 branches and support groups with approximately 600 000 members.
Partnerships
NAPWA has entered into an operational partnership with other stakeholders to advance care and support to the PLHIV, these among others include:- The National and Provincial Departments of Health & Social Development, BMS - Secure the Future - Lesedi Project in Gauteng, MCDI in KZN, Asiphileni Project in Mpumalanga (Eyesizwe Colliery Mines), Churches, Schools, Workers Unions, Community and Non Governmental Organizations, Private Sector and International Development Agencies etc.
PLHIV Capacity Building
NAPWA has established a Training Unit, which facilitates:- Theoretical skills (Basic HIV & AIDS, Community Health Care Workers, Holistic Treatment Approach and Nutrition; practical skills development Practical Skills (Basic Sewing & Dress Making, Carpentry, Screen Printing and Designs, Weaving and Hospitality Services). NAPWA extended its training services to workplaces, churches, schools and the communities.
Prevention
PLHIV play an integral part of the prevention programmes, through disclosure & acceptance campaigns, outreach programmes and support the International, National, Provincial and local intervention strategies, like candle lighting, world aids day, Door to Door campaigns, Condom Distribution, Education and Edutainment Initiatives.
Campaigning, Advocacy and Lobbying
NAPWA holds annual summits on any form of HIV Stigma and discrimination. NAPWA also advocates for the rights of PLHIV for access to Food, Treatment, better health care etc.
PLHIV Economic Development
NAPWA Business Wing provides the following services:- Carpentry, Screen Printing, Weaving & Hospitality Services. Unemployed PLHIV are trained and employed by the project to sustain themselves.
Contact Detals
Focal Point: Mluleki Zazini
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.napwa.org
