The continent of Africa has been found to have the largest population of people living with HIV/AIDS. Southern Africa has been recognized as a heavily affected area. And in the region, Zimbabwe is among the worst affected countries with regard to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Africa University, a pan-African institution of higher learning, situated in Zimbabwe, has a student population of over 1200. With the over 1200 students coming from over 20 African countries, the University has a strategic opportunity to contribute to reducing the effects of the HIV/AIDS with relevant and effective awareness, care, and prevention of HIV/AIDS programmes.

Recognizing the devastating effects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the University’s own strategic position as a pan-African institution of higher learning, Africa University established a Task Force on HIV/AIDS in 2001. The Task Force was to develop a University-wide HIV/AIDS policy and to plan and implement relevant programs and activities relating to the pandemic.

Terms of Reference of the HIV/AIDS Programme Committee

The Committee has the following terms of reference:

1. To generate, receive and share information on HIV/AIDS with relevant stakeholders of Africa University and its surrounding community.

2. To determine how HIV/AIDS is affecting Africa University and its surrounding communities.

3. To describe the current University programs and practices on HIV/AIDS.

4. To determine the impact of the current University HIV/AIDS programs and practices on students, staff and the University as a whole.

5. To develop and implement a vision and a three year HIV/AIDS Programme strategic plan for the University with regard to HIV/AIDS.

6. To determine how the University can effectively cope with and mitigate the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

7. To determine how the University can minimize and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS on campus.

8. To develop HIV AIDS core programs for the University in line with the University’s vision and policy on HIV/AIDS.

9. To mobilize resources (human, financial, material etc) for the implementation of the Africa University
HIV/AIDS programs.

10. To determine the contributions that Africa University can make to its immediate community and to society in dealing with the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

11. To develop, implement and operationalise the University policy on HIV/AIDS.

12. To monitor and evaluate the University`s response to HIV/AIDS.

13. To provide policy guidance to the HIV/AIDS Programme.