Overview:

Since the outbreak of HIV, there has been a tendency to view the people living with the virus as simply recipients of services. However, as a matter of principle, PHAs should be recognized as contributors and experts who must be involved in planning, policy and decision making, implementation as well as M&E related to HIV/AIDS. There have been insufficient efforts especially at the district and lower levels to involve PHA beyond giving testimonies, and performing in drama groups.

The PHA constituency has also been constrained by poor coordination amongst themselves as well as lack of financial resources to facilitate their initiatives in response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Envisioning strong PHA contribution to the response through strategic formation of a sustainable PHA partnership in the country is what stimulated the the formulation of the National Forum for People Living with HIV/AIDS Networks in Uganda.

 

The formation of NAFOPHANU was not to create a new and parallel organization. There were a number of PHA support groups and networks such as NACWOLA, PTC/PLI, and NGEN+ spread in a number of districts championing PHA interests. However, there was no single forum/network that could coordinate all these efforts, hence the formation of the Forum in 2003.

Vision- NAFOPHANU envisions a community of people living with HIV realizing their full potential through mutual support, respect of human rights and positively influencing the HIV/AIDS response at all levels.

Mission- To unite, support building of capacities and coordinate all networks and groups of PHA in Uganda for a concerted effort to the HIV and AIDS national response.

Goal- To enhance the capacity of the networks and member organizations of PHAs through training, coordination, information sharing, advocacy and resource mobilization by 2012.