With the existence of many HIV and AIDS service providers especially at Local Authority Level
which is government closer to the people, multi sector coordination of service provision becomes
crucial. Therefore, this study undertook to assess the effectiveness of coordination of HIV and
AIDS service provision in Salima District Council in Malawi. The researcher used the following
methods to collect data: qualitative method, through a questionnaire where data was collected from
the District AIDS Coordinating Committee (DACC) responsible for multi sector coordination at
district level; and qualitative method, through focus Group Discussions that enabled collection of
data from targeted sector heads from government, non- governmental organisations, Faith Based
Organisations and Private Sector.
The research found that Salima District Council has the necessary structural set-up to coordinate
HIV and AIDS Response. In keeping with the three – one principle, Salima District Council has
managed to develop one coordination body, one action framework and one M&E framework. The
availability of the one action framework and one M&E framework (LAHARF) and that these are
annually replicable, shows a level of coordination is available and it is working. Lack of adequate
funding for HIV interventions and lack of involvement of DACC in planning process by most
service providers are major challenges. It is thus recommended that Salima District Council should
put in place a deliberate policy that makes it mandatory for all organizations working in the district
to participate in planning and or share their plans with the district council. The Council should also
ensure that strategic policy and guidelines documents are readily available to service providers for
use when planning HIV and AIDS interventions.