Aids campaign groups in Africa are being denied the opportunity to work alongside their governments in tackling the epidemic, writes Jane Moyo.

Concerned at the lack of access to decision makers, the newly formed African Civil Society Coalition on HIV and AIDS met with Peter Piot, Executive Director of UNAIDS at the International Aids Conference.

The activists called on UNAIDS to pressurise African governments, donor countries and international agencies to help achieve real influence for civil society.

ActionAid's head of HIV/AIDS programmes Leonard Okello said that African communities most affected by the epidemic had to be fully consulted for any headway to be made.

"Until African governments and civil society are working together with a clearly defined strategy, the impact of Aids on African communities will continue to be devastating.

“It is essential that the coalition's concerns are listened to. You cannot make a true impact on this disease if people living with HIV and Aids are not placed at the centre of the high level response."

At the African Union summit on AIDS, TB and Malaria in Abuja, Nigeria in May 2006, Africas leaders committed themselves to achieving universal access to treatment and prevention for all by 2010.

The Abuja targets formed the core of Africa's common position to the UN's Special Session in Aids in June.

Yet now momentum is slipping, charges Okello. "National prevention and treatment targets are not on track. They are too conservative."

"Governments are setting targets to meet the money available, not the need. Thats just not good enough. International donors must step up to the plate and African governments must stop overlooking the aspirations of the poor and the vulnerable, and those living with HIV and Aids."

Pressure to recognise civil society voices

Coalition members believe that commitment to local participation is vital if universal access is to become a reality, and that UNAIDS has to play a key role in increasing the impact of civil society on political decision making.

The coalition called on UNAIDS to put pressure on international donors and the African Union to formally recognise civil society voices and their representatives, and at the national level to support grass roots organisations when they are involved in negotiations with their governments.

"Universal access should mean just that, 100 per cent access to HIV testing and Aids care and treatment for all who need it. But we are now seeing African governments beginning to backtrack on ambition.

"UNAIDS must take the lead in turning this state of affairs around," said Okello.