Field Exchange - Issue 19

This issue of Field Exchange is dedicated to Prof. John Kevany (ENN Director) who died on 20th April 2003. John was instrumental in establishing the ENN. Given John's significant work with Ireland Aid in the area of HIV/AIDS it is fitting that this issue features prominently in this Field Exchange.

A field article by Hisham Kogali from IFRC describes the massive HIV/AIDS problem in Zimbabwe and the implementation of a home based care programme (HBC) for people living with HIV/AIDS. At the end of 2001, there were approximately 780,000 AIDS orphans in Zimbabwe while an estimated 2,300,000 people were infected by HIV/AIDS. The HBC programme, which IFRC began implementing as far back as 1988, aims to address the problem through information dissemination, improved access to care and provision of support through activities like income generation, agricultural projects and food distributions. The programme has recently been implemented against the backdrop of drought and increased food insecurity. There have been many challenges, which have in turn led to important lessons that should prove useful for other agencies working in similar contexts.

This issue also carries summaries of a number of recent publications specifically related to HIV in food crises and emergencies.