Aid architecture - what does it mean?

The term ‘aid architecture’ refers to the wide configuration of institutions, systems and tools at the international and country level, which are responsible for the transfer of financial, technical and human resources from donors to recipient countries for development purposes.

In recent years there has been a substantial rise in the amount of aid directed towards health. This has been propelled by the Millennium Development Goals – some of which focus on health related challenges to reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, and prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS and other communicable diseases.

Whilst the availability of more development aid is clearly positive, the increasing amount of aid involves a growing number of institutions, agencies and channels for dispersing it. A key question is whether more development assistance, donors and aid instruments has resulted in improved aid effectiveness.