About the Commission

The Commission on HIV/AIDS and Governance in Africa (CHGA) was launched by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to address the urgent and unique challenges posed by the multiple ways in which the HIV/AIDS epidemic impacts upon development and governance on the continent of Africa. The specific mandates of the Commission were twofold: (i) clarify the data on the impact of HIV/AIDS on state structures and economic development; and (ii) assist governments to consolidate the design and implementation of policies and programmes that can help to govern the epidemic.

This report is the culmination of a unique consultation by CHGA Commissioners with a wide constituency in Africa and beyond. The findings and recommendations not only embody deep original analytical insights derived from the Commission own research, they also reflect the views of the more than 1,000 Africans-including policymakers, advocacy groups, nongovernmental organizations, community-based organizations, people with HIV/ AIDS and research organizations and UN agencies-who took part in the consultation process. The Commission examined policy options in the response to HIV/AIDS at the grassroots level. During its lifespan it held five subregional consultations. These consultations provided an opportunity for the Commissioners to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and constituencies. Each interactive session provided an opportunity for a wide range of stakeholders and constituents to share experiences and discuss the way forward in their subregional context and to identify key messages to underpin the Commission’s advocacy work, which reflects the views of the more than 1,000 people drawn from the continent.