Global partnerships to support non communicable disease care in low and middle-income countries: lessons from HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify lessons learned from partnerships addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic that can inform those needed to mitigate the noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) epidemic in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Design: We selected and analysed a convenience sample of organizational partner- ships developed to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in LMICs, focusing on their specific strategies and contributions. Methods: A review of published literature and website information pertaining to a convenience sample of five global organizations and/or types of partnerships that provide support to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic was qualitatively analysed to assess key areas of support provided to scale-up services in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Results: Six topical areas of support were identified: HIV/AIDS service delivery; enhancing comprehensive health systems capacity; operational and implementation science research to improve care delivery; introducing and improving the availability of new products; political advocacy; and early-stage planning for sustainability and transition to more independent implementing-country delivery programmes. These six areas of support were qualitatively assessed for identify a focus, contributory or minimal contribution on the part of each of the organizations and/or types of partner- ships reviewed. Conclusion: No single global partnership addresses the range of support needed to respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and this will likely be true for an effective response to the emerging NCD epidemic. A range of coordinated financial and/or technical support as well as lessons learned from global HIV/AIDS partnerships will be key to achieving an effective response to the global NCD epidemic.