PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Civil society demand for accountability has long been a critical component of the AIDS response. In the age of 90-90-90 HIV treatment goals, civil society advocacy has continued, but often in new forms. In particular, civil society accountability at the intersection of national policy and global health financing has taken on increasing importance, but has not been well documented. RECENT FINDINGS: Civil society demand for accountability is a key to addressing both the insufficient progress toward '90-90-90' HIV treatment goals and the gap in democracy in HIV policymaking particularly prevalent in the context of internationally financed HIV programming. Civil society can serve three vital functions for accountability: unlocking decision-making processes monopolized by powerful funders through North-South networks; challenging dominant ideas that justify status-quo policies; and 'venue shifting' to institutionalize new, more open spaces for policymaking. SUMMARY: The functions of civil society demand for accountability have played key roles in improving the AIDS response in several countries in East and Southern Africa. Dramatically scaling-up capacity for civil society advocacy is necessary in the near term to achieve global HIV goals.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Civil society demand for accountability has long been a critical component of the AIDS response. In the age of 90-90-90 HIV treatment goals, civil society advocacy has continued, but often in new forms. In particular, civil society accountability at the intersection of national policy and global health financing has taken on increasing importance, but has not been well documented. RECENT FINDINGS: Civil society demand for accountability is a key to addressing both the insufficient progress toward '90-90-90' HIV treatment goals and the gap in democracy in HIV policymaking particularly prevalent in the context of internationally financed HIV programming. Civil society can serve three vital functions for accountability: unlocking decision-making processes monopolized by powerful funders through North-South networks; challenging dominant ideas that justify status-quo policies; and 'venue shifting' to institutionalize new, more open spaces for policymaking. SUMMARY: The functions of civil society demand for accountability have played key roles in improving the AIDS response in several countries in East and Southern Africa. Dramatically scaling-up capacity for civil society advocacy is necessary in the near term to achieve global HIV goals.
Authors: Matthew M Kavanagh; Ellie Graeden; Mara Pillinger; Renu Singh; Stephanie Eaneff; Victoria Bendaud; Rico Gustav; Taavi Erkkola Journal: BMJ Glob Health Date: 2020-09