What is DHAT?

The Disability, HIV and AIDS Trust [DHAT] is a not-for-profit non-Governmental organization promoting HIV and AIDS responses that address needs and empowerment of persons with disabilities.  DHAT builds and strengths capacities of DPOs in Southern Africa.  DHAT has country programs in Botswana, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.  The regional Secretariat is   in Harare, Zimbabwe.  

DHAT’s mandate is advocacy for disability inclusive HIV and AIDS Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services, policies, legislation and practices. DHAT promotes the rights and capabilities of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). It aims at achieving inclusion through involvement and meaningful participation of PWDs in socio-economic, SRH, HIV and AIDS interventions.

Why DHAT and Advocacy?

DHAT’s advocacy work aims to create an environment of involvement and support for disability inclusive legislation, policy and practice in SRH, HIV and AIDS service delivery using a rights-based approach

How does DHAT commit itself to achieve its strategic goal?

DHAT commits to the strategic goal through ensuring disability inclusion in all HIV and AIDS interventions such as in policy and legislation, National HIV and AIDS Strategies, programming, budgets and other emerging health issues.

What strategies are employed?

The strategies employed are:

  • Contributing to policy formulation, implementation and research processes related to SRH for persons with disabilities
  • Facilitating the provision of information, education and communication on SRH and HIV and AIDS for persons with disabilities
  • Documenting and sharing of best practices in SRHR in accessible formats for PWDs and Rigorous monitoring the implementation of national policies and relevant international commitments
  • Working with the media as SRHR and HIV advocacy tool in spreading information and awareness on the situation of persons with disabilities

What are DHAT policy steps on disability, SRH, HIV and AIDS?

In order to contribute to mitigating the impact of HIV and AIDS and SRH, DHAT prioritizes the following policy steps.

  • Scaling up the recognition of persons with disabilities as a key population with relevant and accessible HIV and AIDS, and SRHR interventions
  • Mobilizing relevant parliamentary and local government committees to seek legislative influence and support on issues of disability inclusive HIV and AIDS and SRHR service
  • Creating strong teams at country level to continuously advocate and lobby for disability, HIV and AIDS and SRHR co-related issues
  • Developing and sustain strategic partnerships with governments, Civil Society and Faith Based Organizations and media to raise awareness on disability inclusive HIV and AIDS, and SRHR interventions.
  • Engaging the Ministries of Health on challenges related to access to Health Services by persons with disabilities through constructive dialogue and lobbying for disability friendly health service provision
  • Generating evidence-through studies to determine the extent of marginalization of persons with disabilities to support policy formulation.