Governance and HIV - Government-Civil Society Interface: An Aspect of Governance Critical to an Effective Response

• Main Authors: Aldaba, Fernando T, Petilla, Josefa
• Format: text
• Published: Archīum Ateneo 1998
• Subjects: Economics; Health Policy; Immune System Diseases
• Online Access: https://archium.ateneo.edu/economics-faculty-pubs/68; https://archium.ateneo.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1067&context=economics-faculty-pubs
• Institution: Ateneo De Manila University

There exists a dynamic interrelationship between good governance, a successful government organisation (GO) - civil society organisation (CSO) interface and an appropriate response to the HIV-AIDS epidemic. Good governance creates an environment that promotes collaboration among various sectors of society. Appropriate response to the epidemic, on the other hand, are engendered by positive interfaces and cooperation between key sectors of a community. The case study will specifically examine three examples of interface: the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) at the national level; and for the local implementation, Olongapo city, and the province of Palawan. Characteristics of good governance that promote GO-CSO interface include transparency or mutual sharing of information among the parties to the interface especially government. Another is accountability and responsibility to the community. These are important because they recognize the right of the community or society to participate in governance activities. Openness and toleration of diverse perspectives sustain dialogue and partnership between government and civil society. A government that formulates policies creating an enabling environment for people to participate, and a dynamic active civil society which recognizes the need to participate, are important ingredients for a successful interface.