February 2002 Insights Health Issue #2

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Community action
Mobilising NGOs and CBOs

Health systems are under-funded and overburdened in many developing countries. Non-governmental and community-based organisations (NGOs/CBOs), individuals and families are key providers of HIV treatment and care. The need for treatment is rising as increasing numbers of people become infected. What support will NGOs, CBOs and groups of people living with HIV/AIDS need to address this growing demand?

The International HIV/AIDS Alliance is an NGO that supports and promotes community action on AIDS in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The Alliance assessed treatment needs and resources among groups who are both providers and consumers of treatment and care in Côte d'Ivoire, India and Zambia. They identified barriers to access to treatment and strategies to tackle these problems (see table).

In collaboration with WHO and UNAIDS, the Alliance developed a practical resource to assist these organisations in improving access to HIV/AIDS treatment. The 'Handbook on access to HIV/AIDS-related treatment' provides practical tools, information and other resources for groups who are planning or starting to provide treatment and care. It will also be useful for experienced organisations who are evaluating their work. It aims to help groups to:

• make decisions on providing treatment, by outlining the main issues involved
• access and exploit existing local and national drug supply systems
• explore the use of alternative systems and drugs where necessary and useful
• understand the benefits and constraints associated with donated drugs
• address practical issues of drug supply and financing, focusing on cost, quantification, quality and sustainability
• adopt good practice in the use of HIV/AIDS related drugs, including clinical requirements, the use of treatment protocols, and technical and psycho-social support
• develop and sustain links with other organisations and resources.

Mandeep Dhaliwal
International HIV/AIDS Alliance
Queensberry House
104-106 Queen's Road
Brighton BN1 3XF
UK

T: +44 (0)1273 718 900
F: +44 (0)1273 718 901

Mdhaliwal@aidsalliance.org

See also
"Handbook on access to HIV-related treatment" by C. Green et al., International HIV/AIDS Alliance, Brighton, UK (2001)
"Access to treatment" Alliance News 4, no. 3 (2000)
www.aidsalliance.org

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