HIV/AIDS, communities and health systems strengthening

Submission to DfID Health Strategy consultation from the International HIV/AIDS

This is a submission from the International HIV/AIDS Alliance to the UK Government, as part of the Department for International Development’s (DfID) Health Strategy consultation.  The paper responds to a number of questions around what needs to be done to scale up towards universal access to essential health services, including comprehensive HIV services, in developing countries.  The responses they have received from the Alliance and other organisations will inform DfID’s new Health Strategy.

The submission argues for an emphasis on the three health MDG’s – on HIV/AIDS, on child health and maternal health – as the focus for investment in health systems strengthening.  Investment in these areas will bring the biggest gains.

The Alliance submission will be useful for donors, governments and policy makers, as well as civil society engaged in HIV & AIDS programme and/or policy work, particularly HIV/AIDS work that is being developed inside or alongside health systems strengthening interventions. The paper outlines the important role of communities in strengthening health systems to provide health care to all, including the most vulnerable and hard to reach populations.

This paper is informed by the Alliance’s work with communities responding to HIV & AIDS in developing countries.

Please also see ‘The Alliance debates AIDS and health systems strengthening with the UK’s minister for international development’ on the Alliance news page.

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