Despite the continued funding from various donor agencies fighting HIV/AIDS, the epidemic is still spreading. Do you agree with the claim that for some organisations involved in the ‘war’ against the epidemic, HIV/AIDS has opened new doors for them?

YES. I think for some people, HIV/AIDS has been a blessing. Looking from the NGOs point of view, not all of them are seriously committed in fighting the epidemic. Some of these organisations submit well written proposals which attract good funding. But in reality, only a small part of that money goes to the beneficiaries. Most of it is spent outside the cycles of the epidemic. No wonder that is why the scourge, particularly in developing countries, is increasing.
Azaina Mponda - Maternal nurse.

YES. Not only has the scourge opened up new opportunities for some organisations, it has also created avenues whereby some policymakers and executives meet and discuss issues pertaining to HIV/AIDS. But what baffles me is that these executives choose posh venues and spend heavily during the discussions. They forget that the resources could be used to facilitate volunteers for home based care of HIV/AIDS patients. Most of the policies are hardly implemented.
Felix Mombe – Businessman.

NO. I don’t think that HIV/AIDS has given opportunities to some organisations; rather it is difficult for people to change. Even if billions of shillings is spent on awareness creation, sensitization and education, if people are not prepared to change, the money will just be going down the drain. The method of granting funds for HIV/AIDS is a transparent one, well designed and donors have set good standards of monitoring them. Organisations which are unable to account for the funds cannot expect more grants.
Majaliwa Suleyman – Counsellor.

YES. I think the rapid increase of organisations fighting HIV/AIDS can not be taken seriously. Let me make myself clear. NOT all organisations involved in this war are bogus; it is only some of them. Most of them do a good job and support a lot of programmes including VCT, orphanages and home based care for the sick. What I am saying is that a small number of these unscrupulous organisations are making money at the expense of the sick persons – which is very unfair. Maybe the government should single out these organisations and only remain with the genuine ones.
Rosemary Mwendo – Sociologist.
 

Compiled by Timothy Kitundu.