The multi-sectoral approaches that all basin countries have adopted vary considerably. In some cases, ministries other than health are encouraged to develop their own HIV and AIDS control programmes with specific staff assigned fulltime while in others, ministry liaisons are assigned to coordinate activities with the Ministry of Health. Many countries have set up National AIDS Councils, located either in the Office of the President or under the health ministry. These councils are charged with organising the multi-sectoral response.

Health is the lead sector in the response to HIV and AIDS in every country in the Zambezi basin, but most counties involve other ministries as well.

Some countries have declared HIV and AIDS a national crisis or emergency. Botswana and Tanzania’s AIDS policies deem HIV and AIDS a national disaster. Botswana calls it a national crisis, deserving the attention of every government, private sector and society as a whole. Tanzania’s national policy also calls it a national crisis, offering a compelling reason for a multi-sectoral approach.

Malawi’s National Response to HIV and AIDS 2000-2004 stresses that multi-sectoralism will be a key part of its overall strategy to address HIV and AIDS. The strategy document also lays out guidelines on the roles that different ministries and groups should adopt.

Mozambique’s National Strategic Plan 2000-2002 adopts an innovative approach to multi-sectoralism. It is both decentralised and multi-sectoral with coordination provided by the National AIDS Council, whose Executive Secretary reports to the Prime Minister. The plan defines clear strategic goals for each line ministry and allocates responsibility for particular vulnerable groups to particular ministries. Budget requirements are laid out by province and by line ministry.

Zimbabwe’s approach is that HIV and AIDS can only be brought under control through a sustained and coherent, multi-sectoral approach. The government undertakes to facilitate the establishment of an ‘appropriate’ AIDS co-ordination and advocacy framework, including a multi-sectoral National AIDS Council with a clear mandate to ensure overall management of the national response.