The Nelson Mandela Foundation strives to realise the ideals, goals and vision
pursued by Mr Mandela, in particular in the field of HIV/AIDS. The Foundation
sees its role as a catalyst. It develops strategic alliances and partnerships to
foster community engagement, community project-ownership and community benefit.
It is not a traditional grant-making agency.
Initiatives are guided by an advisory group with a diverse range of members:
medics and media, HIV / AIDS victims and managers of programmes and projects.
The HIV / AIDS strategy is made up of 3 strands:
1. Social mobilisation with an emphasis on leadership
- 2002: 5 meetings with 950 Traditional Leaders. 158
signed a charter in united action on AIDS.
- 2003: Assist Department of Health in training
Traditional Leaders to work in communities with HIV / AIDS.
- 2003: Mobilise faith leaders in campaign for HIV / AIDS care and support.
2. Targeted research
- 2002: The first ever systematic, nationwide,
community-based study of HIV/AIDS in South African households conducted in
2002.
- 2003-8: Generate more accurate information and improve programme
development in the field.
3. ACTION
- Prevention and treatment through partnerships and projects Treatment
project in Eastern Cape (Medecins Sans Frontiers) Important pilot project
aiming to improve understanding and approaches to treatment in rural areas.
Located in a rural community that has no access to treatment. HIV prevention
(loveLife) Leading national programme for South African youth. R80 million
plan (South African Medical Association) Proposition to provide
anti-retrovirals to patients who can't afford drugs. Eminent Person's Group
People from all walks of life invited by Mandela to stand with him on the HIV
/ AIDS issue.