A synthesis of institutional arrangements of National AIDS Commissions

C. Dickinson, J. Mundy, E. Serlemitsos and J. Whitelaw Jones, May 2008 Prepared on behalf of DFID/STARZ in Zambia.

This report reviews the status and characteristics of institutional arrangements of NACs in twelve African countries (Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe). It comprises a summary of common features, key issues and challenges for NACs. Country annexes also include information on financing of the national response and on harmonisation and alignment of HIV/AIDS with the health sector and development partners.

The report finds that clear and robust institutional arrangements and legal status are important for NACs to deliver their mandates effectively. In the future, NACs may need to be more flexible – adapting to local contexts, the increasingly complex aid environment and evolving HIV responses.

The Strengthening the AIDS Response in Zambia (STARZ) Programme (2004-2009) was a DFID funded programme managed by an HLSP-led team.