AEGiS-15IAC: Parliament for the People: Using AIDS to strengthen democracy.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Parliament for the People: Using AIDS to strengthen democracy.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. E10204)

Moodley P
JOHAP, Durban, South Africa

ISSUES: Political commitment has been touted over the years as a key component to an effective response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In most cases this commitment has not been translated into action. Parliaments actively addressing the HIV/AIDS issues in Africa are making a major contribution to ensure that the tide turns.

DESCRIPTION: Parliaments in South Africa and Tanzania have become key players in the struggle against HIV/AIDS in Africa. NGO's and associations of People Living with HIV/AIDS have lobbied these institutions which has resulted in: Member's of Parliament looking at legislative gaps Member's of Parliament playing a more effective role in their constituencies Parliamentary committees holding government accountable Placing the HIV/AIDS issues on all agendas including the private sector. A critical part of the process has been the strenghening of democracy. Mobilising communities to participate in the governance structures in Africa. The impact in terms of dealing with the HIV/AIDS issue is huge in terms of budgetary allocations, programmes across all sectors, public visibility, local leaders dealing with community HIV/AIDS issues.

LESSONS LEARNED: We cannot wait for our leaders to come to us, we need to go to them. Communities especially people living with HIV/AIDS need to be empowered to hold leaders accountable. We need to move beyond briefing the leaders on the basics of HIV/AIDS. Time to link issues to their specific area of expertise An issue like AIDS could be used to strengthen democracy in a country Advocacy from the community needs to happen both outside and within Parliament The costs in terms of loss of leaders is increasing rapidly.

RECOMMENDATIONS: All Parliaments in African countries need to deal more effectively with HIV/AIDS. A comprehensive strategy needs to be developed for Parliaments. The strategy will cover issues above.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, Democracy, Health Planning Guidelines, HIV Seropositivity, Disease Outbreaks, Government, Politics, Africa, Health Services Needs and Demand, Private Sector, Public Policy, South Africa, Tanzania

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