Responding effectively to this transition requires high- quality, contextually responsive, and strategic technical assistance (TA) from international HIV/AIDS program implementation organizations, such as the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF). This issue of Haba Na Haba is devoted to the topic of TA, particularly the various ways EGPAF has approached TA as an important tool in achieving its mission of ending AIDS in children. The issue covers the changing landscape in which TA is provided, definitions, approaches to the measurement of TA, EGPAF’s experiences with TA, and some of the factors needed to provide successful assistance to governments in the implementation of their own HIV programs.
Zanele Mamba (L) walks with her daughter Phiwa (R) at her mother's homestead near Siteki, some 100km east of the capital Mbabane, Swaziland, 24 November 2010. In November 2009, 24-year-old Zanele Mamba was living with her husband, Mfanzile Dlamini, in a one-room hut in Mkhulamini in the Manzini region of Swaziland. Both were HIV-positive but relatively healthy thanks to government-supplied antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). Their 14-month-old daughter, Phiwa, was born HIV-negative thanks to prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services provided by the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. One year later, in November 2010, things have changed drastically for Zanele and her family. Early this year, MfanzileÕs treatment failed and he became ill. He lost his job and died in June 2010. Soon after the funeral, MfanzileÕs family forced Zanele and Phiwa from their home and land in Mkhulamini. Zanele was six months pregnant at the time. Zanele and Phiwa moved 60 km to the Lumbombo region near Siteki town where they now live with ZaneleÕs mother, Alice Mamba (who is also HIV-positive), and ZaneleÕs three orphaned nieces. On September 23, Zanele gave birth to a son, Nkosingphile, who received PMTCT services and has tested HIV-negative so far. Zanele and Alice support their family through subsistence farming and by selling woven sisal mats. Zanele is saving money to start a business selling products made from sisal and marula trees. Phiwa is a healthy two-year-old. 01 December is marked annually as World AIDS Day.
Technical Bulletins
January 2014
