HIV and AIDS and NGOs

NGOs have been playing a critical role in addressing the HIV and AIDS issue in developing countries. Their role was widely acknowledged even before governments in many countries hardly began doing anything against HIV and AIDS. They have been working as key partners for governments and international agencies in not only in the prevention of the spread of HIV and AIDS but also for its treatment and support for those living with the disease and also working towards removing the stigma associated with it. NGOs working in the field of HIV and AIDS include organizations promoting awareness and education about it, specific AIDS service organizations, women’s organizations, organizations which have been formed by or for people living with HIV and AIDS, rights-based organizations, international development agencies, faith-based institutions and others.

Some of the programmatic interventions made by NGOs in this field include advocating for and mainstreaming people living with HIV and AIDS and establishing networks and coalitions for lobbying policies to protect their rights; supporting governments, inter-governmental agencies and international organizations in achieving the goal of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support; building local capacities of communities, CBOs and local governmental agencies in responding towards AIDS; strengthening leadership at the local-level; undertaking research on the effects of the disease on the society and supporting the government in improving the health infrastructure to provide treatment for those suffering from it.