Objectives/functions

The objective of the Programme Area Component is to support Member States to develop policies and programmes and build the capacity for the delivery of the health sector response to HIV/AIDS. This includes rapidly scaling-up access to treatment and care and accelerating prevention while strengthening health systems, in the context of universal access.

The functions are:

• To provide normative guidance and generic tools to member states for intensifying HIV/AIDS prevention and control efforts towards attainment of global, regional and national goals and targets.
• To provide technical support to member states for accelerating and scaling up implementation of prevention, care, and treatment interventions for HIV/AIDS; especially HIV testing and counseling, prevention of mother to child transmission, STI prevention and control, blood safety, male circumcision, and antiretroviral therapy.
• To support countries in accessing and managing additional resources (including antiretroviral medicines and other commodities) from global, regional and national partnerships for the fight against HIV/AIDS.
• To provide technical support to member states for strengthening procurement & supply management systems and laboratory services and networks.
• To support member states to strengthen surveillance, monitoring and evaluation systems for HIV/AIDS prevention and control.
• To strengthen capacity for the conduct of operational research for evidence-based decision making.