HIV/AIDS Policy-Making in Iran: A Stakeholder Analysis
Abstract Introduction: HIV/AIDS phenomenon is one of the most serious public health challenges which includes wide range of epidemiological, social, economic and political dimensions. Therefore, its effective control requires involvement of different stakeholders. The present study aims to identify and analyze HIV/AIDS stakeholders in Iran.Methods: This qualitative stakeholder analysis was conducted in 2018 nationwide both retrospectively and prospectively. Identification and analysis of stakeholders was carried out by the review of related literature and policy documents and official websites, as well as holding semi-structured interviews with policy makers and other key informants. Purposive sampling was utilized and followed by snowball sampling until data saturation. Data were analyzed using framework analysis. Also, qualitative data analysis software MAXQDA (Version 11) and Policy Maker software (version 4) were applied.Findings: A total of 44 stakeholders were identified and categorized into 23 active and 21 inactive stakeholders. Despite the great importance of educating and informing pubic about HIV/AIDS, the Ministry of Education and Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting organization (IRIB), have moderate participation in this regard. Supreme Council of Health and Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have low participation. The Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME), State Welfare Organization of Iran, Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization, the State Prisons and Security and Corrective Measures Organization are interested in HIV/AIDS policymaking. The MoHME, as main body responsible for stewardship of the HIV/AIDS in Iran, does not have enough authority in handling the issue due to the low funding, institutional and structural deficits and insufficient human resources.Conclusion: The process of HIV/AIDS policy making is fragmented in Iran and despite multiple active and passive stakeholders in this field, there is no integrated system to involve all stakeholders in the process of AIDS policy-making. Therefore, given the importance of the issue, an upstream entity is needed in order to coordinate and mobilize all stakeholders associated with managing and controlling HIV/AIDS.