Background & Legal Basis

The National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council (NAC) in Zambia was established by an Act of Parliament in 2002 to coordinate the national multisectoral response to HIV, STIs, and TB. While operating under the oversight of the Ministry of Health, it has a broad mandate that spans across multiple sectors.

Vision, Mission & Policy Framework

NAC’s vision is of a nation free from the threat of HIV/AIDS, STIs, and TB. Its work is guided by the national HIV/AIDS/STI/TB policy, which emphasizes:

A multisectoral approach involving government ministries, NGOs, communities, and faith-based actors.

Human rights protection, with a focus on reducing stigma and discrimination.

Evidence-based interventions, driven by monitoring, evaluation, and strategic information.

Decentralization, ensuring the response reaches provincial, district, and community levels.

The “Three Ones” principle: one national strategic framework, one national coordinating authority, and one national monitoring and evaluation system.

Mandate & Functions

The Council’s responsibilities include:

Policy, Strategy & Coordination – developing and coordinating national policies, strategies, and plans.

Information, Education & Communication – ensuring accurate dissemination of information and promoting awareness campaigns.

Research & Strategic Information – setting the national research agenda and managing strategic data.

Support to Prevention, Treatment & Care – providing technical guidance and standards to implementing agencies.

Resource Mobilization & Advocacy – engaging political leadership, communities, and development partners to mobilize resources.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting – overseeing national monitoring systems and ensuring accountability.

Decentralized Structures – working through Provincial, District, and Community AIDS Task Forces to ensure effective coordination at all levels.

Structure & Governance

Council & Secretariat: The Council, appointed by the President, includes representatives from government, NGOs, civil society, and people living with HIV. The Secretariat handles technical and operational tasks.

Subnational Task Forces: Provincial, District, and Community AIDS Task Forces implement NAC’s mandate at local levels, supported by coordination advisors.

Devolution Plan: NAC has a plan to shift some functions closer to communities in line with Zambia’s decentralization policy.

Achievements & Recent Initiatives

Spearheaded the National HIV/AIDS Communication & Advocacy Strategy (2019–2023).

Developed monitoring and evaluation systems, including district performance standards for AIDS Task Forces.

Facilitated alignment of partner programs and promoted integration of HIV services with STI and TB initiatives.

Challenges & Gaps

Capacity constraints at local levels, with some task forces lacking technical expertise.

Weak accountability and resource tracking, leading to inconsistent reporting.

Coordination difficulties across numerous government and non-government actors.

Financing gaps, with heavy reliance on donor funding.

Data limitations, especially from lower levels, affecting decision-making.

Stigma and discrimination, which remain significant barriers to prevention and care.