These are described in greater detail in a conference room paper that will be issued to complement the present report. Leadership and Coordination The AIDS epidemic has been described as a crisis of governance and a crisis of leadership.
Leadership is fundamental to an effective response.
One of the key issues facing the global community is the development and sustenance of such dedicated leadership, which is vital if the nature of the epidemic is to be clearly understood throughout society and a national response mobilized. Such an understanding is essential in order to avoid stigma, secure the full commitment, involvement and accountability of all sectors, and avoid fragmentation of efforts. The broad spread of the impact underlines the need for a broad multisectoral response that addresses both institutional capacity and human resources. In many countries, the epidemic has substantially undermined the capacity of the key social and economic sectors in society. Economic performance in all its dimensions is affected.