Roles and responsibilities of National AIDS Commissions: debates and issues

Clare Dickinson, September 2006

Recent reports indicate that the results achieved by National AIDS Commissions (NACs) have not matched expectations. Institutional reviews have also drawn attention to a number of issues that are affecting the NACs' ability to effectively lead and coordinate national multi-sectoral responses.

Until recently, there was limited discussion of the predominant NAC model, but this is now changing, and NACs themselves are trying to address certain organisational problems.

This Technical Brief outlines the functions and key challenges facing National AIDS Commissions. It looks at what have been the main obstacles, why they have emerged, and outlines the current debates.