On August 15, 2007 the first workshop on the challenges posed by HIV and AIDS to micro-finance institutions in Nicaragua took place in Managua
During this workshop, micro financing institutions and HIV organisations were brought together, stimulating their commitments to address HIV and AIDS. The workshop aimed to set up a platform of micro-finance institutions and HIV and AIDS organisations. The platforms will work on increasing access to microfinance among households living with HIV and affected by AIDS; to address HIV and AIDS within the relationship between micro-finance institutions and their clients and to promote the development of workplace policies towards HIV and AIDS among micro-finance institutions.
The workshop gathered the following Micro financing Institutions: ADIM, IMC, FUNAFAM, SAC-PROA, GDESAR, ADIM, FUMDEC, F. Xochiquetzal, Asonvihsida, Cepresi, F. José Nieborowski, FUMDEC, FUNDENUSE, FODEM, Fundación León 2000, CISAS, FINCA Nicaragua, Fundación 4i2000, Puntos de Encuentro, Promujer, FUDEMI, CETZAM.
The main outcomes of the workshop:
Micro credit insurances in Nicaragua do not cover death or permanent disability if caused by AIDS. The insurance companies do not accept clients with a HIV positive status. A micro insurance policy is compulsory while receiving a loan.
In Nicaragua, health insurance (for staff members of MFIs) does not cover ARV or treatment for opportunistic infections
Associations (or networks) of MFIs are considered to be a very interesting channel to address HIV and AIDS. The MFIs in Central America, organised in the REDCAMIF have established a Gender commission. The commission enters its second year of existence. The aim is to mainstream gender within MFI. It is an option to consider the integration of HIV and AIDS within this process.
PLWHA are usually excluded of the benefit of a loan. The main reasons are insufficient funds or capital required as guaranty by the MFIs as well as the lack of a registered residence.
Joint loans with guaranty funds have proved to be a valuable solution according to experiences in Burundi (casa study by Oxfam International presented by SAN! at the seminar) and in Honduras (World Vision). In Burundi, MFI in partnership with The Association of Women living with HIV/AIDS, provides group loans to PLWHA. The association of Women living with HIV/AIDS got a guaranty fund from international donors.
All PLWHA in Nicaragua who are in need of ART (around 480), registered by the association of PLWHA, are receiving treatment. 80% comes from the Global Fund and 20% as donation from the Brazilian Government. The supply coming from the GF is granted until 2009. What happens after 2009?
Associations of MFI's are developing an instrument to measure social impact. The Central American Platform should keep an eye on this process in Central America.
REDCAMIF (microfinance institutions in Central America) has established a Gender commission since last year. the integration of HIV/AIDS will be integrated within the gender process.
A research on insurance has been made by Alexandra Tuistra, requested by Hivos Central America. The aim of the research is to indicate offer and demand of micro-insurance with the view of developing a programme for micro-insurance in the near future
