HIV/AIDS and micro finance - progress booked in Central America
REDCAMIF - a network of MFIs
REDCAMIF is a network of micro finance institutions in Central America. It unites 97 micro finance institutions (MFIs) in six different countries. Together they serve over 838000 clients and have a joint portfolio of 772,4 million dollar.
Addressing HIV and AIDS within the network
Since 2007 REDCAMIF is addressing HIV and AIDS within the network. It raises awareness amongst member MFIs, on the impact of HIV and AIDS. The AIDS pandemic has both an impact on the staff of MFIs as well as on their scope of work. As the aim of most MFIs is to contribute to the sustainability of livelihood of vulnerable groups, one cannot deny people living with HIV.
Project launched
A special project is launched to implement activities to address HIV and AIDS among the MFIs connected to the network. The project takes place in: Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, El Salvador and Guatemala. All associated MFIs in these countries participate in the project.
The goals of the project
- Provide training to staff members of MFIs concerning the incidence, causes and consequences of HIV (with a gender perspective). The training is implemented with support of local AIDS organisations
- Disseminate information materials on HIV and AIDS among the MFIs' staff and clients in order to prevent new infections
- Establish strategic alliances for capacity building, voluntary counselling and testing and condoms delivery
- Develop a pilot project to improve access to loans for people living with HIV
The activities (2008-2009)
- Raise awareness among staff as well as clients, and provide trainings related to HIV prevention
- Disseminate information about HIV and AIDS among micro-entrepreneurs and MFIs' staff members. Some examples of materials used: booklets, posters, video clips to be displayed at MFIs' waiting rooms and flyers with information on places to get tested and receive care and support
- Promotion of HIV testing and providing free condoms
- Initiate the a pilot project offering financial services (credit and insurance) to entrepreneurs living with HIV, aiming to improve their quality of life
