Learning Objectives:

What is the role of parliamentary committees in the response to HIV/AIDS?

Introduction

Parliamentary committees provide greater freedom for in-depth analysis and debate making it possible for Members of Parliament and ultimately the parliament itself to perform the core functions of law making, oversight and representation. A handful of countries such as Uganda, Lesotho, Tanzania and Zambia have now established parliamentary committees on HIV/AIDS which are responsible for drafting new legislation to address HIV/AIDS, and reviewing, amending and improving other government legislation and regulations related to HIV/AIDS. In the majority of other parliaments, parliamentary committees on health have also been tasked with the review of HIV/AIDS policies and legislation and a number of parliaments have struck sub-committees to study the issue of HIV/AIDS in greater detail. Canada and South Africa are examples of countries where national parliaments have created sub-committees on HIV/AIDS.

This unit will explore the role of parliamentary committees in reviewing and amending legislation with a particular focus on HIV/AIDS. The unit discusses the rational for creating specific committees responsible for HIV/AIDS as well as the need for a multi-sectoral approach whereby other parliamentary committees, such as those responsible for trade, healthcare, international development and so forth, should also be involved in scrutinizing the impact of legislation and policies on HIV/AIDS.