Zimbabwe 'reverses' ban on HIV/Aids NGOs

16/06/2008

International aid agencies have cautiously welcomed an announcement by the Zimbabwean government that HIV charities will be allowed to resume their operations in the country.

Authorities in the embattled south African state had placed a ban on all humanitarian organisations earlier this month after expressing concerns that some charities were taking on a political role.

The UN described the move as a "deplorable decision" that would lead to the deaths of countless HIV-patients, but social welfare minister Nicholas Goche said it had become necessary due to NGOs "breaching the terms and conditions [by engaging in political activities]".

Tensions are high in Zimbabwe as it gears up for a crucial run-off election between incumbent president Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai of the Movement for Democratic Change.

Following an international outcry about the decision - which comes in a country where some 3,000 people die of Aids-related illnesses every single week - Mr Goche announced an amendment to the government's official policy.

Alluding to some 400 organisations identified as carrying out Aids-related work, he commented: "The suspension does not prohibit those on ARV (antiretroviral) therapy and those benefiting from home-based care programmes to continue accessing drugs and therapeutic feeding from clinics and hospitals."

He further added that the exemption extended to organisations that provide supplementary feeding for children, saying such vital services fell outside "community mobilisation" efforts.

SOS Children has yet to receive any direct instructions from the government and continues to care for thousands of vulnerable children in Zimbabwe.


©