Regional Arab Network Against Aids

Twitter

Extract from the UNAIDS Middle Est and North Africa Regional Report on AIDS 2011

In Algeria, the HIV epidemic has increased significantly among women. In 2010, and for the first time in history, there were more women living with HIV than there were men living with HIV. El Hayet, a nongovernmental organization, was launched

to emancipate women so that they can acquire social and financial autonomy – leading to a decrease in risky behaviours. The NGO was designed to provide a way for women living with HIV to make a positive contribution to society by joining the

workforce. El Hayet was the first NGO for people living with HIV in the MENA region, and remains the only one in Algeria.

It has a unique, crucial and noteworthy role in improving the psychosocial support of people living with HIV, and sets out previously unimagined actions for the women’s HIV response.

“HIV is not an obstacle, women are the pillar of society, they do not support themselves only, but they do also provide care for everyone around them, starting with their families and [children]. Women should be productive and run their own lives”.  – Ms Nawel Lahouel, El Hayet, President.

A recent initiative, launched under the theme of “Help to create a training center and accompanying microprojects for women living with HIV”, engage a total of 150 women. The programme includes six-month workshops for dressmaking, handicrafts and pastries. During their education, the trainees receive specific training sessions from a team of teachers qualified in vocational training, and the women obtain important skills and become qualified (with a diploma) in line with the agreement established between the National Agency for Administration of Micro-credit and El Hayet. The workshops are in Tamanrasset, a region situated in the extreme south of Algeria, and is highly characterized by its remoteness, instability and vulnerability due to its proximity to the African Sahara. Tamanrasset is also distanced from the biggest Algerian cities, which probably provide better access to HIV information, prevention and care. The training is a real example of removing barriers and strengthening the initiative against stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV. The initiative is led mainly by UNAIDS, and supported by different departments of the Algerian Government (Ministry of Gender, Ministry of Vocational Training, Ministry of Health and the National Micro Credit Agency).

This project highlights the achievements that can be gained by women living with HIV, especially when they are provided with the sufficient and necessary atmosphere for their empowerment.

“The Ministry of Vocational Training will continue to support access to vulnerable populations particularly women infected and affected by HIV in its structures and different mechanisms to reduce precariousness and stigma. There is an absolute

commitment from the Algerian government”. – Ms Akila Chergou, Director of Continuing Education Cross-Industry Relations.