Coordination of the PLHIV Sector

A coordinated response to HIV & AIDS remains one of the biggest challenges facing policy makers today, especially as the number of health actors continues to proliferate exponentially. Although new actors bring new resources for health, increased flexibility and 16 creativity, all of these require effective coordination. Similarly, the diversity and complexity of relations amongst multiple actors, may also weaken the already fragile health systems, thereby undermining their efficiency, effectiveness and equity.

SIt is increasingly recognised that no single sector can address the multiple drivers and impacts of HIV and AIDS, and that integrated, multi -level efforts by government, working together with other sectors including civil society and the private sector, are urgently needed . Multi-sectoral approaches to the HIV response seek to reduce HIV prevalence, provide care and treatment to those living with HIV and AIDS, and mitigate the impact of the epidemic to those affected by employing the appropriate mix of health and non-health based interventions, and involving a broad array of stakeholders from multiple sectors in their design and implementation. Drawing together all major stakeholders in society, regardless of their sector, work or organisational affiliation, multi -sectoral action aims to create a mechanism for regular information sharing and coordination.

The involvement of PLHIV in the HIV response was espoused in the Paris Declaration, also known as the Declaration on the Greater Involvement of People living with HIV/AIDS (GIPA) which was signed in Paris, France, on the 1 of December 1994. GIPA is a principle that aims to realise the rights and responsibilities of PLHIV, inc luding their right to self-determination and participation in decision- making processes that affect their lives. GIPA also aims to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the AIDS response. In th e Paris Declaration, 42 countries agreed to “support a greater involvement of people living with HIV at all levels and to stimulate the creation of supportive political, legal and social environments.” In 2001, 189 United Nations member countries endorsed the G IPA Principle as part of the Declaration of Commitment on HIV & AIDS. The 2006 Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS unanimously adopted by 192 Member States at the 2006 High Level Meeting on AIDS also advocated for the greater involvement of PLHIV.
• HIV and AIDS Support Agent / Advocacy, Support Group Leaders - The idea of GIPA stems from the fact that PLHIV have directly experienced the factors that make individuals and communities vulnerable to HIV infection – and once infected, the HIV-related illnesses and strategies for managing them. Their involvement in programme development, implementation and policymaking will improve the relevance, acceptability and effectiveness of programmes. Experiences have shown that when communities are proactively involved in ensuring their well -being, success is more likely to be attained. The engagement of PLHIV is even more urgent as countries scale up their national AIDS responses to achieve the goal of universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support services. The benefits of GIPA are wide-ranging. At the individual level, involvement can improve self -esteem and boost morale; decrease isolation and depression; and improve health through access to better information about care and prevention. Within organisations, the participation of PLHIV can change perceptions, as well as provide valuable experiences and knowledge. At the community and social levels, the public involvement of PLHIV can break down fear and prejudice by showing the faces of PLHIV and demonstrating that they are productive members of, and contributors to societal coohesion.