Governance arrangements
Absence of strong mandates and support reaching down from the highest levels of government and covering all sectors at all levels can undermine the accountability, authority and legitimacy and overall leadership of the national response (UNAIDS 2005) . IDASA has researched the role of parliamentary oversight in national HIV/AIDS responses through an assessment of how the national parliaments of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa use their oversight function to inform and monitor the national HIV/AIDS responses. The research considers the nature of the interaction between the parliamentary committees and the NACs, as well as the Auditor-Generals’ offices. A more directly accountable relationship between parliaments and the NACs is recommended. Ghana was the only country where a direct oversight relationship exists between the NAC and parliament.
With international encouragement, many countries have established a representative governance body or Board of Commissioners. Boards have been set up to provide a broad based partnership forum of stakeholders as an important mechanism for promoting multi-sectoral cooperation, and to ensure good corporate governance practice. However, countries have faced challenges meeting the dual objectives of representation and good governance with Commissioners often elected or appointed based on their ability to represent their constituencies, rather than their ability to govern and steer the Secretariat. Other issues cited include infrequency of meetings, lack of clear terms of reference, governing by-laws, guidelines, and training.
With international encouragement, many countries have established a representative governance body or Board of Commissioners. Boards have been set up to provide a broad based partnership forum of stakeholders as an important mechanism for promoting multi-sectoral cooperation, and to ensure good corporate governance practice. However, countries have faced challenges meeting the dual objectives of representation and good governance with Commissioners often elected or appointed based on their ability to represent their constituencies, rather than their ability to govern and steer the Secretariat. Other issues cited include infrequency of meetings, lack of clear terms of reference, governing by-laws, guidelines, and training.
