The Role of NACA in Botswana
The overall purpose of the National Coordinating Agency (NACA) is to develop and support partnerships, harmonize, coordinate and facilitate implementation of the national response to HIV and AIDS. NACA has the responsibility to facilitate planning for HIV and AIDS at all levels. This includes formulation and facilitation of national strategies, policies and laws that pertain to HIV and AIDS. Development of the National HIV and AIDS Policy, the National Strategy for BCIC or any other national processes that require the actions and support of all stakeholders is spearheaded by NACA as a core responsibility. The process of mainstreaming HIV and AIDS into ministries, institutions and civil society organizations requires facilitation. NACA takes the responsibility to ensure that HIV and AIDS is mainstreamed in the day-to-day mandates of sectors. The National Strategic Framework (NSF 2003-2009) outlines the roles and responsibilities of NACA and those of other sectors involved in the delivery of the Minimum Internal Package (MIP). The NSF is aligned to the National Development Plan.
The district level thrust is a critical point where both coordination and collaboration by all sectors is highly effective. It is NACA’s responsibility through Ministry of Local Government, to ensure that a decentralized focus of the National Response is maintained. The integration of HIV and AIDS into District Development Plans has been a major step forward. The district actions are harmonized through the District Multi-sectoral AIDS Committees (DMSACs) and the District Development Committees (DDCs).
NACA’s responsibility is also to establish and develop programmes of consistent resource mobilization and capacity building for managing and implementing the National Response.