The Role Played By NGOs in Augmenting Government Efforts towards the Achievement of Millennium Development Goal of Combating HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This article examines the role of NGOs in complementing government efforts towards the achievement of millennium development goal of combating HIV and AIDS by 2015. Documentary research, key informant interviews, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used to investigate the extent to which government and NGOs coordinate their functions to avoid duplication of functions in their areas of operation as well as examining the net effect of NGO involvement in HIV/AIDS programmes. Evidence from researches points tovisible Government commitment to the eradication of the disease as evidenced by the formulation of the National Aids policy and the formation of the parliamentary portfolio committee on health. NGOs have also played a pivotal role in HIV and AIDS programmes by implementing government policies both in urban and rural areas of Zimbabwe. Notwithstanding this, lack of coordination of functions between NGOs and government has derailed the national response as studies highlight concentration of HIV/AIDS programmes in some areas whilst other areas have no programmes at all. Government’s requirement that NGOs must submit their work plans has not been adhered to by NGOs leading to mutual suspicion between the two. NGOs should comply with government demands to avoid cancellation of their contracts and the government must create a conducive working environment for NGOs for the attainment of MDG six.