History
During the early years of the HIV epidemic, national HIV responses were largely driven by Ministries of Health (MOH) which also spearheaded the development of sector responses with other line ministries. However, soaring prevalence rates and international recognition of the multi-sectoral nature of HIV/AIDS called for emergency international and national responses involving the mobilisation of sectors beyond health. In the late 1990’s, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, there was a move to extract the leadership of the response from MOH and establish stand alone National AIDS Commissions tasked with leading and coordinating the national response.
Building on the new 1999 AIDS strategy for Africa, the World Bank Multi-country AIDS Programme for the Africa region (MAP) was launched in 2000 to deliver resources rapidly to countries. The strategy advocated for expanded, multisectoral national HIV responses based on strong political commitment, country leadership, and partnerships with government, civil society and the private sector.
Funding conditionality for MAP was strong and eligibility included the establishment of a high level multi-sectoral coordinating body, such as a national HIV/AIDS council or equivalent, with broad representation of key stakeholders from all sectors, including PLWHA (World Bank 2000). Through its conditionality, MAP provided a major impetus for the establishment of multisectoral NACs usually under the president or prime minister.
General guidelines for creating a MAP, including institutional and leadership issues relevant for NACs, can be found in the Ethiopia and Kenya Project Appraisal Document (World Bank 2000). The Generic Operations Manual (World Bank 2004) provides guidelines on preparing and implementing MAPs, including a section on the theoretical role of NACs. The 2005 evaluation of the World Bank’s assistance to HIV/AIDS includes a good summary of how national AIDS coordinating institutions have changed in Africa since the introduction of MAP in Appendix One of the report.
Building on the new 1999 AIDS strategy for Africa, the World Bank Multi-country AIDS Programme for the Africa region (MAP) was launched in 2000 to deliver resources rapidly to countries. The strategy advocated for expanded, multisectoral national HIV responses based on strong political commitment, country leadership, and partnerships with government, civil society and the private sector.
Funding conditionality for MAP was strong and eligibility included the establishment of a high level multi-sectoral coordinating body, such as a national HIV/AIDS council or equivalent, with broad representation of key stakeholders from all sectors, including PLWHA (World Bank 2000). Through its conditionality, MAP provided a major impetus for the establishment of multisectoral NACs usually under the president or prime minister.
General guidelines for creating a MAP, including institutional and leadership issues relevant for NACs, can be found in the Ethiopia and Kenya Project Appraisal Document (World Bank 2000). The Generic Operations Manual (World Bank 2004) provides guidelines on preparing and implementing MAPs, including a section on the theoretical role of NACs. The 2005 evaluation of the World Bank’s assistance to HIV/AIDS includes a good summary of how national AIDS coordinating institutions have changed in Africa since the introduction of MAP in Appendix One of the report.
