AIDS: questions for development

This IDS Policy Briefing assesses past and current efforts to understand AIDS in relation to development and to identify key policy and research gaps. The briefing considers 4 key questions. Can we go beyond the existing frameworks of understanding and tackle the underlying drivers of HIV, in order to break the cycle of transmission more effectively? How should AIDS be analysed in relation to other shocks and livelihood vulnerabilities, to understand the interactions between the virus and development over the long term? In what ways do we need to reconfigure health systems, delivery and access to meet new and future challenges presented by HIV? What are the best ways of harnessing the capacity of governments, civil society, the private sector, researchers and communities to enhance coordination, transparency and accountability in the response to HIV?

The authors argue that researchers, policymakers and practitioners need to learn much more about how development interacts with the evolving and shifting dynamics of HIV through working with affected communities. Development research has enormous potential to make linkages between different approaches, bringing together perspectives on vulnerability, health, governance and rights, as well as promoting cross-cutting solutions. Participatory approaches to development, citizenship and power are a further fruitful starting point for engagements that support effective local initiatives and advocacy efforts. [adapted from authors]