The National AIDS Coordinating Agency, (NACA), Department of Energy Affairs, Ministry of Health, Labor & Home Affairs, stakeholders and partners met recently to explore was of integrating HIV and AIDS into the production of Environmental Impact Assessments for development projects.

This is part of a regional initiative involving Lesotho, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Rwanda.

The Environment Impact Assessment process is seen as an important tool for mainstreaming HIV into development policy and planning at the highest level. There is growing evidence showing that development projects, particularly infrastructure projects such as the construction of dams, major roads, power stations and mines could facilitate the spread of HIV and AIDS and increase the vulnerability of women and girls.

The EIA process has the potential to increase awareness in project receiving communities about the risks of HIV and put in place measures to avoid the spread of the virus. For this to happen, there is need for all stakeholders such as high-level decision makers, consultants, development partners and Environmental Assessment Practitioners to be aware of the linkages between increasing HIV prevalence around mega developmental projects.

The Trans Kalahari Highway Project, (Omaheke region in Namibia and Ghanzi District in Botswana) is a clear example of how improved transport infrastructure and accessibility, regarded as catalyst for economic development can also indirectly render people vulnerable and promote the spread of HIV.

Studies have revealed that HIV prevalence increased three fold in the Ghanzi District since the completion of the project. HIV Infection rates tend to be higher among women and young due to a number of factors. It is important that measures are put into place to ensure that the female population in rural communities often disadvantaged economically and disempowered socially is protected.

It is evident that the vulnerability of women and girls to HIV in Botswana needs to be factored in when conducting Environmental Impact Assessment. Environmental Impact Assessment provides great opportunities to assess the extent to which instruments can be used to ensure the institutionalization of HIV assessments and guidelines before, during and after the execution of major development projects.