The role of non-governmental organizations in the global response to AIDS

This article describes the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs)in AIDS prevention worldwide, highlights successful NGO projects, assesses NGO strengths and weaknesses, and provides recommendations for supporting the work of NGOs. While NGOs vary in their scope, all share a dedication to a set of social values that guides their organizational missions. In industrialized nations, NGOs established trends for AIDS prevention and treatment, including the targeting of educational materials to specific groups, peer education, and increasing access to experimental drugs. In the developing world, NGOs have been the first to respond to the epidemic, promoting access to counselling and healthcare to people with AIDS. The article briefly describes successful NGO projects for AIDS prevention and care in developing countries. Examples include the establishment of the Rio de Janeiro Prostitutes Association, designed to fight AIDS and STDs among prostitutes in Brazil, and the formation of the NGO Consortium in Kenya, which serves as a bridge between the AIDS Programme Secretariat and the private sector. Among their strengths, NGOs are able to respond quickly, address controversial issues, reach the community more quickly and effectively, reach marginalized groups, and mobilize local resources. Some of their disadvantages include funding difficulties, staff attrition, and lack of cooperation among organizations. Noting the enormous potential of NGOs to play a major role in AIDS prevention, the article provides 9 specific recommendations for supporting NGOs.