The fiscal challenges facing the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS, or UNAIDS, are threatening the meaningful engagement of NGOs in shaping the work of the program.
UNAIDS is known to have an inclusive governance structure. Its program coordinating board includes member states, U.N. agencies that serve as its co-sponsors, and members of civil society who serve as representatives of NGOs and people living with and affected by HIV.
It relies entirely on voluntary contributions, which are shared between the secretariat and co-sponsoring organizations. The secretariat also provides funding to strengthen the participation of NGOs in policy dialogue with the board.