• Government response and changing tactics

Government response and changing tactics

This presentation, prepared for a UNAIDS workshop on AIDS and Vulnerability, explores the impact of HIV and AIDS on governance and politics. The presentation examines: the implications of AIDS for state capacity; considerations for service delivery; the budgetary and transparency implications of the AIDS response; and the impact on, as well as the response and inclusion of civil society. The presentation also considers the political implications of HIV and AIDS. The author highlights how personnel losses in public services have major implications for the capacity of the government and public sector to implement policy. Moreover, the coordination of diverse service providers, including state, non-governmental and private providers, demands new skills and approaches.

The author outlines how representation and mobilisation of civil society voice and opinion is a critical factor in responding to the epidemic, as governments need to consider the needs and concerns of disadvantaged and discriminated groups. The author also highlights the political visibility of government response to the crisis. Elements contributing to this visibility include: global monitoring of trends and progress towards the Millennium Development Goals; the availability of HIV and AIDS information through the media, government data and NGO monitoring; and the electoral significance through public debate and policy agendas. [adapted from author]

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