Zimbabwe: land locked, 390, 758sq km

ZINAHCOApex body of housing Cooperative in Zimbabwe Membership 10 587 (Females 4 549, Males: 6

038) Affiliates; 199Where we work: Harare/ Chitungwiza, Bulawayo,

Masvingo, Mutare, Chiredzi, Chipinge, Kariba, Kwekwe, Mvuma, Bindura, Victoria Falls and Shurugwi

Background to the HIV/AIDS Program2004 - assessment of the impact of HIV/ AIDS

on housing cooperatives2005 - study of mainstreaming issues -

Training officer 2005 Impact of Operation Murambatsvina on

housing co-op in relation to HIV, AIDS and

ZINAHCO response to HIV/AIDSHousing Development is a

critical response to HIV/AIDS and provides a stable environment where PLWHA can live in dignity with their families.

Program focus has shifted to capacity building

It provides a decent place for the raising of children and healthy families.

Networking with Like minded OrganisationsZINAHCO is a

member of Zimbabwe AIDS Network.

Members network with organisations such as National AIDS Council, Zimbabwe, Network of PLWHA and National Council for Disabled Persons who provide the relevant support.

Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe,

Young Voices Network of Zimbabwe provide support to youths and women.

Dealing with Gender dynamics is key to curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS.

HIV/AIDS Capacity Building and Awareness Raising

Training and Education has been a key instrument in providing education to members.

After the training there has been formation of support groups.

Currently support groups are running at provincial/District Union Level

ZINAHCO currently has support groups in the following areas: Harare/Chitungwiza, Bulawayo, Mutare, Masvingo, Chipinge (new), Chiredzi (new),

Three cooperatives of PLWHA in Chitungwiza and Masvingo (new group) and an old cooperative in Masvingo.

Topics covered under capacity buildingHIV and AIDS AwarenessNutrition Information

Psycho Social Support and training

Nutrition Gardens Gender and HIV/AIDSYouth and HIV/AIDS

Gender ProgrammingGender policy and

capacity building programmes have enabled ZINAHCO to reach out to both female and make membership.

Gender awareness trainingFemale Leadership

training on ZINAHCO business

Awareness on legal framework: property rights.

Lessons LearnedFormation of Support Groups is key to provide necessary psycho

social support needed by members.Housing Cooperatives are a good platform for educating members,

and providing a safe haven where AIDS issues can be discussed.Demystifying HIV/ AIDS through training and education. Training and education has enabled District Unions to support

initiatives pertaining to HIV/AIDS.Networking provides the prerequisite support needed by

members.Housing is still a major way to mitigate impacts of HIV/AIDS. It is important to reach out to the needs of members by providing

a holistic approach to housing: Income Generation Training, Gender, HIV/AIDS, Youth training and Housing activities are some ways of responding to the needs of members.

Challenges Faced HIV/AIDS issues are still taken as health issues and not development

issues, hence housing is not recognised as pivotal in mitigating HIV/AIDS impacts.

Limited AIDS funding, including for AIDS Service Organisations Non Performing economy which means members are struggling to

make ends meet. Donor Dependency: some members still expect welfare as opposed to

capacity building and awareness. High death rate of members who are not seeking support/treatment

because of fear of stigma and discrimination Stigma and Discrimination is still widespread despite all the strides Unequal Gender Relations Economic: Poverty and Unemployment Limited access to nutritional food Slow progress in developing conducive shelter leading to members

being affected by lack of adequate shelter. Inheritance Issues: still a challenge especially for women and

children

ConclusionZINAHCO and its members are grateful for the continued support. It has enabled the organisation to respond to the needs of its members and to build better families.

Thank you , Tatenda, Siyabonga