HCWG

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About the HCWG

The HCWG is comprised of African experts with relevant experience from diverse sectors, predominantly based within the African region to work collaboratively to develop:

(i) A framework that identifies the necessary components for long-term sustained HIV control with particular reference to the African context.

(ii) A forward-looking research and program implementation agenda that informs country progress and achievements and identifies knowledge gaps which impede the provision of clear guidance to countries about how best to target their systems-building investments.

Objectives

  1. Establish an HIV Control Working Group (HCWG) comprised of African experts.
  2. Develop consensus perspectives on definition of long-term sustained HIV control; and the systems and capabilities required to achieve it and long-term sustainability of the HIV response by Africans.
  3. Offer recommendations to funders, African governments and implementing partners.

Purpose

The HCWG’s purpose is to work collaboratively to develop a framework for sustained HIV control,
with the following objectives:

  • To facilitate and support country/region specific dialogue to strengthen country ownership, accountability, and sustainability of HIV programmes.
  • To generate a common understanding from an African perspective of what sustaining an HIV response for over 25 million Africans means, given the disproportional burden of HIV incidence in sub-populations and geolocations.
  • To outline a roadmap of partnership investment from an African perspective to ensure Africa is equipped to more independently govern their HIV response over the coming decades.
  • To underscore the importance of prevention strategies and re-prioritise based on country/regional context, sub-populations, patient outcomes vs coverage.
  • To advocate for faster realisation of universal health coverage and defining pathways for integration of health services while strengthening access to quality HIV services

“The HCWG is complementary and not duplicative to existing regional efforts.”

Vison

An African-led response for long term HIV control on the continent.

Misson

Finding sustainable HIV solutions owned and led by African stakeholders, in partnership and solidarity with the global community based on the principles of social justice, health, wellbeing, and dignity for all.

Goal

The goal of the HCWG is to offer recommendations to HIV and health funders, multi-lateral health agencies, African governments, and implementing partners for investing in the identified systems and capabilities to achieve and sustain HIV control as defined through consensus building based on African experts’ perspectives.

HIV Control Working Group Membership

Membership has been constituted by invitation to African leaders from diverse backgrounds, that have significantly contributed and shaped the public health agenda for the African continent. Their unique experiences, expertise and leadership will drive the formation of a unique voice that contributes to the existing efforts for Africans to lead their own health agenda with a focus on addressing the HIV epidemic (the full list of the HCWG members is available).

Desired Outcomes

  • An effective African-led HCWG that contributes to acceleration of government and
    stakeholder HIV Control in Africa.
  • A Framework for reducing HIV as a public health threat and reprioritization of HIV
    prevention in Sub -Saharan Africa, impacting attainment of 2030 targets.
  • Recommendations that may impact policy formulation.

Critical Components of a Sustainable HIV Response

African-led Governance, Leadership and Accountability

To bolster African voices on the global stage, and increase African representation and unified African positions in global decision-making bodies that reflect the will of people affected by HIV, communities, and civil society. Robust mutual accountability that serves African interests and global solidarity must be embedded within global governance systems. 
Understanding the HIV epidemic

This starts with redefining HIV control from an African perspective, factoring in countries with large, small, and emerging and re-emerging epidemics. The context and diversity of the epidemic at continental, national, sub-national as well as population and sub-population levels must be considered. These definitions can be localized to ensure that the HIV response is also tailored to local needs, to ensure HIV control at that level.
Sustainable Health Financing Mechanisms

This is necessitated by the slowdown in financial assistance, aggravated by multiple crises resulting in competing public health priorities. This underscores the urgent redesign of health financing mechanisms, including a transition to country ownership. Africa must turn its economic power into health prosperity in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, “The Africa we want”.
Advancing Medicines Security and Sovereignty through African-led Innovation

Transforming healthcare in Africa and ensuring the continent’s health security requires decisive shifts towards local manufacturing and bio-technology systems. Local manufacturing is pivotal in moving towards establishing health sovereignty, driving economic growth, and strengthening Africa’s defenses against ongoing and future health challenges.
Shaping an African-led Research and Development Infrastructure

Reshaping the future of healthcare, prioritizing African-led Research and Development (R&D) is essential. It is critical to ensure African sovereignty over research data; promote mutual scientific accountability within the continent; and leverage the power of South-South collaborations while ensuring that South-North scientific partnerships are more equitable and support African interests and strengthen African capacity.
Building with Communities at the Core

Placing communities at the core of health initiatives will enable them to take ownership of their health outcomes and advocate for the services they need. This enables communities to contribute to the development and implementation of strategies that address their unique needs and challenges.
Realizing Health as a Right

Establishing health as an inalienable right requires an expansive and dedicated effort across multiple fronts. The concept of health as a right must be enshrined in legislation, culture, and practice, as we build systems that are more equitable, resilient, and capable of meeting the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Integrating Health Systems 

Integrating HIV services into the general healthcare infrastructure is imperative, for sustainability’s sake and also for mitigating against external shocks such as environmental disasters, political instability, and civil unrest. 
Tailoring Responses to African-specific Health Agendas

These are essential to address the diverse needs of specific populations and contexts, including those faced by adolescent girls and young women, key populations, young people, and populations affected by conflict and civil unrest.