On July 3 & 4, 2008 the 2nd workshop on challenges posed by hiv/aids to micro-finance institutions in tanzania, kenya and Uganda took place
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/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: K-Rep from Kenya; AMFIU from Uganda; Accord Tanzania, BRAC Tanzania, Pride Tanzania, WEDAC, AFREDA, Concern, Faiders, FSDT and Kaderes from Tanzania. The following hiv organisations were present: Kanco from Kenya, TAWG, TAHEA, Tujijienge, YADEC and Kiwakkuki from Tanzania.
Main conclusions of the workshop concerning financial & non financial services and HIV and AIDS issues:
- Adapt micro financing procedures in order to improve access from households, including youth
- Conceptualise and develop a guarantee fund or emergency fund
- Developing Policies and mechanisms to address issues related to the identification and support of people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS
- Develop innovative training manuals in business skills
- Promotion and facilitation of Peer Groups
- Mapping and development of linkages among the stakeholders – for lobbying, advocacy and fund raising
- Commitment to address stigma at the workplace and towards clients by integrating basic and systematic knowledge on HIV/AIDS prevention, support and care
- Promote access to support and treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS
Main conclusions about the process and follow up of this initiative:
- A Platform in Tanzania has been set up. All organisations present are members of the platform. The platform will be lead by a steering committee, consisting of Donald Kasongi (Accord; Chairman), Maximilian Muhula (Pride; Secretary) and Leoanard Kachebonaho (Kaderes; Treasurer). The steering committee will meet on short term to make concrete plans towards the role and function of the platform. All platform members will think of initiatives that may be financed in the future.
- In Kenya, The Association of Microfinance Institutions of Kenya (AMFI) will be the coordinating agency, in close collaboration with Kenya AIDS NGO’s Consortium (KANCO) and K-Rep. This partnership will send a proposal for implementation and follow up. In 2009 a comparable workshop will be held in Kenya.
- In Uganda, the Association of Microfinance Institutions of Uganda (AMFIU) will do initial assessments, organise expert meetings and consult national stakeholders. In 2009 a comparable workshop will be held in Uganda.
- The platforms in the three countries will come up with requests for proposals towards initiatives for improving access of microfinance for households affected by HIV and AIDS and for additional services around HIV and AIDS provided by HIV organizations through micro-finance institutions. A condition for funding is that at least one HIV organization and one micro-finance institution will work together.
