An Evaluation of HIV and Aids mainstreaming in line ministries

Abstract

HIV mainstreaming is increasingly being seen as one of the strategies for an effective national response. With an estimated HIV prevalence of 14.3 percent in the 15 to 49 years age group, Zambia has adopted a multi-sectoral response to HIV and AIDS control (ZDHS 2007, NAC 2009). For line ministries, government has pioneered this initiative by encouraging them to mainstream HIV and AIDS in their respective sectors. The study aimed to evaluate HIV and AIDS Mainstreaming in Line Ministries. More specifically, the study focused on establishing the extent of HIV/AIDS mainstreaming in the Line Ministries, documenting which Ministries are utilizing the Mainstreaming guidelines and exploring barriers to HIV/AIDS mainstreaming. This was cross-sectional evaluation study that employed a logical framework. Furthermore, the study utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis to assess the extent of HIV and AIDS mainstreaming in the government of Zambia’s line ministries and to identify barriers to effective mainstreaming. The study population was comprised of staff from Line Ministries. The qualitative data was obtained from 19 individuals and was analyzed using N-Vivo. For the quantitative data, multistage sampling was used to sample a total of 516 respondents from line ministries. The data was collected by means of a structured questionnaire and was analyzed using SPSS version 18 The determinants of mainstreaming were found to be establishment of support groups,(OR 2.73 95% CI 1.32-5.63) for staff living with HIV, provision of condoms male/female for staff (OR 2.78 95% CI 1.29-5.97), accessibility of ARVs (OR 3.03 95% CI 1.12-8.20)by staff.We conclude that mainstreaming is an important and effective strategy in mitigating the impact of HIV in line ministries. However, there are key elements that constitute a functioning mainstreaming program as revealed in the study findings.