Bang the drum: by standing together, civil society can engage with, and influence, policy and practice in the HIV/AIDS and TB field.

NACOSA promotes dialogue between civil society and government. We believe there are some issues that need vigorous debate and joint action from our member NGOs and CBOs.

Provincial AIDS Council (PAC)
NACOSA represents HIV and AIDS non-government and community-based organisations on the Western Cape’s Provincial AIDS Council and ensures that issues are raised at the highest level.

Our members expressed concern about communication between the PAC and the NGO/CBO sector and this is being addressed by the Department of Health who have engaged communications experts to publicise the work of the PAC and the Department. We would also like to use this website as a platform for feedback from PAC meetings to the sector - and for debate.

:: Read the latest PAC meeting report-back
:: Contact us to feedback your issues and concerns to the PAC

We also use our quarterly meetings and regional forums to canvass the views of our members, so please bring any inputs for the PAC to these regular networking opportunities.

The PAC and the Strategic Plan
Now that the National Strategic Plan 2007 – 2011 (NSP) has been approved, the Western Cape needs to align its provincial strategy with the NSP. To create a comprehensive plan, the province is asking for input from civil society in the HIV/AIDS sector. This process will be driven by a task team including NACOSA – who will represent the NGO/CBO sector – and other CBO/FBO representatives on the PAC such as Vuyiseka Dubula (representing PLA) and Reverend Desmond Lambrechts from the Anglican Church.

South Africa’s AIDS action plan
The restructured South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and a new national AIDS plan are being seen as a major boost to the HIV/AIDS response in South Africa.

Heralded as South Africa’s most dynamic and comprehensive document on AIDS issues yet, the HIV and AIDS and STI Strategic Plan for South Africa, 2007 – 2011 draws on lessons learned from the country’s response to AIDS over the past decades and details concrete targets to be reached in specific areas by 2011.
 
The primary aims of the plan are to:

• cut the number of new HIV infections by 50% 
• reduce the impact of HIV by expanding access to appropriate treatment, care and support to80% of all people diagnosed with HIV
• reduce the rates of mother-to-child transmission of HIV to less than 5% 
• allocate 40% of the projected budget towards HIV treatment.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Let us know your hopes and fears for the implementation of the new plan.