National AIDS Commissions

This key issues guide is a resource for donors, governments, implementers, researchers and academics and others interested in the architecture of national HIV responses.

Introduction

This key issues guide examines institutional and governance issues as they relate to National AIDS Commissions (NACs), including structures and functions. The guide is divided into a background section that covers the history of NACS and an issues section which looks at the problems currently faced by NACs.

Background

This section covers the history of NACs globally including the international agreements that brought them into existence. It contains descriptions of issues around international support for their creation, the Three Ones principles, universal access and aid harmonisation and effectiveness.

Issues and challenges

This sections covers a diverse range of issues including NACs international arrangements, their governance and their legal status; NACs role, function and capacity; their governance arrangements and partnerships between NACs and other stakeholders such as civil society and international aid donors.

Key debates

This section covers the important ongoing discussions around NACs including political tensions created by NACs and difficulties with the harmonisation and alignment agenda.