Review of services for people living with HIV in New Zealand

D. POSITIVE WOMEN INC.Inquiry1. Is there a clear statementof purpose for the serviceand, if so, how was thatdetermined:What type of service isit?Who is it designed toserve primarily?How was thisdetermined?How long has it been inoperation?Have the aims of theservice altered duringits history – and why?Is there a missionstatement?2. Are the aims and activitiesof the service consonantwith applicable MoHpolicies:Review alongsideexisting MoHstatements aboutservices for PLHADoes the service fillknown gaps in publichealth serviceprovision?ResponsePositive Women Inc. has a clear statement of purpose for the service which wasdetermined by its members (women living with HIV or AIDS).Positive Women Inc. is a support organisation for women and families in NewZealand living with HIV or AIDS. The organisation is also involved in HIV advocacy,awareness and destigmatisation.It is designed primarily to serve women and families in New Zealand living with HIV orAIDS. Secondary purpose is to raise awareness of HIV through advocacy anddestigmatisation to the general population of New Zealand but particularly to womenand young people as we believe there is a gap in services here.The organisation was first established in 1990 due to a lack of ‘women friendly’services at that time. It became an incorporated society in 2000. The originalconstitution was produced by members at the time.The principal aims of the service have not altered during its history however themission/vision statement of purpose were reviewed by members at the AGM held in2004 and the constitution was amended at that time to include families, limitedliability clause and also included an increased focus on HIV advocacy, awareness anddestigmatisation.The organisation’s mission statement is: to provide a valued and proactiveorganisation for women and families in New Zealand living with or affected by HIV orAIDS.Mission/vision and strategic direction is reviewed annually by members at the AGM.The aims and activities of Positive Women Inc. in‐line with most relevant aspects of theHIV Action Plan 2003.1. Societal attitudes, values and behaviourObjective 1: Ensure HIV awareness and prevention training is a key component ofsexual and reproductive health education and promotion programmes, particularlythose targeting young people: talks in schools HIV in Schools resource booklet for educators Travellers Campaign 2006 representation on HIV Forum and APA.Objective 2: Decrease stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV and AIDS, page 24: destigmatisation campaign 2008media: TV, magazines etc which reach our primary target audiencepresentations at schools, medical staff, conferencesworkshops for PLHIV members at women’s retreat, family hui, digital story tellingworkshop, Positive Speakers Training, Australian Kidz Camps, WAD events(fashion show, MAC media), advocacy training.Objective 3: Improve public health outcomes and ensure the protection of humanrights and freedom from discrimination, page 25:representation on advisory groups, HIV National Forum, Medical Council, HIVAnte Natal Screening Programme, speak at conferences destigmatisation campaign 2008.Objective 4: Demonstrate leadership in, and commitment to, HIV and AIDSprevention and treatment nationally and internationally, page 26: member of HIV National Forum, APA, APN+, UNAIDS PCB NGO consultation group other activities as listed above.70 REVIEW OF SERVICES FOR PLHA