Implementation GIPA in Malawi began in 1997 through a partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), MANET+, the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) and selected institutions. This programme recruits Persons Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) who are open about their HIV status to work as United Nations Volunteers in selected organisation.

The long-term objective of GIPA is to deepen the understanding of the nature of the HIV epidemic and to help strengthen the national capacity to respond effectively, through the involvement of people affected by the epidemic.

Programme's Objectives

    To ensure that the knowledge and expertise of people infected and affected by the epidemic contribute to decision-making at all levels and in all relevant institutions, and that their needs and insights are reflected in policy and programme development;

    To strengthen the capacity of networks and organizations of those living with HIV and AIDS for strategic planning and programme management;

    To encourage the recognition of the potential role of volunteers and volunteerism in the national response to the HIV epidemic.

Strategic Approaches

    Placement of PLWHAs NUNVs in carefully selected local institutions-both public and private-that are involved in HIV and AIDS prevention, care and support activities.

    Capacity-building for NUNVs through training to increase their knowledge and skills base in areas such as policy analysis and development, project development, and project/business management.

    Capacity-building for representatives of the national network and of organizations or support groups of PWHA through training to increase their knowledge and skills base in areas such as policy analysis and development, project development, and project/business management.

    Establishment of a micro-grants facility to promote and support community-based initiatives that will arise from the work of the NUNVS, and to develop and strengthen organizations of PWHA and their networks

Background on GIPA