AIDS is a recognized cross border problem. Interactions between populations in the various countries in the African Great-lakes region through trade, socio-cultural activities, migration and displacement demand for priority focus on prevention of HIV transmission and impact mitigation across-borders also.
GLIA was initiated by Health Ministers from the countries of the region in the late 1990s recognizing the benefits of regional collaboration especially in combating communicable diseases in region. Focus on HIV/AIDS was cognizant of the devastating effects of the epidemic. Following discussion at various levels since 1996, GLIA was eventually legally established in 2004 with the signing of convention between the countries of Burundi, DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.
GLIA has an established Secretariat in Kigali Rwanda with Focal Point Offices located in National AIDS Councils of the different countries. GLIA activities have so far focused largely on refugees, long distance truck drivers and the communities they interact with, and people living with HIV/AIDS. GLIA recently received a World Bank grant under MAP II to implement commonly agreed cross-border activities.

Click on links below for other GLIA reports.

• REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING held in Nairobi - 14-15 Nov 2005
• GREAT LAKES INITIATIVE ON HIV/AIDS (GLIA) Operations Manual March 2005
• GLIA Support Project 2005 Action Plan
• RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF THE GREAT LAKES INITIATIVE ON AIDS (GLIA)
• RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE GREAT LAKES INITIATIVE ON AIDS (GLIA)