The Wellness programme was launched in 2006 with the aim to provide a holistic response to the HIV and AIDS pandemic.

The Forum’s focus in this area is on supporting and improving existing programmes and initiatives that reduce infections, promote treatment, support and care for people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.

Community Based Organisations (CBOs) are ideally placed to respond to community needs and are best equipped to mobilise local campaigns due to their intimate knowledge of the specific needs, conditions and structures within the communities. Holding vital positions and reaching out further in their communities, they are constantly asked to extend their services and have gained recognition as critical partners in the successful implementation of government programmes and the national strategic plan on HIV and AIDS.

 It is however the more established organisations that are often favoured by governments and donors in the scramble for funding, thus leaving CBOs under-capacitated to carry out their work. There is a need for coordinated actions, the sharing of experiences from all levels of the sector and relationship building and strengthening that can lead to mutually beneficial partnerships between NGOs and CBOs.

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