Within the UN family the Joint United Nations Team on AIDS is the mechanism
allowing coordination the efforts of all UN agencies involved in response to the
HIV/AIDS problem.

In parallel the Expanded United Nations Theme Group on HIV/AIDS in the
Russian Federation is an advisory body first established in 1999 and re-affirmed
in 2003. The EUNTG was created to support an expanded multisectorial response to
the HIV/AIDS epidemic through better coordination and joint action supporting
the implementation of national policies and strategies.

The primary functions of the Expanded UN Theme Group on HIV/AIDS include:

• collecting, analysing, exchanging and disseminating information;
• joint programming and coordinating activities;
• reviewing and evaluating activities, providing venue for exchange of best practices and lessons learned;
• advocating and promoting political commitment and appropriate policies, including human rights policies;
• enhancing multisectorial involvement.

The Expanded UN Theme Group consists of representatives of UN agencies,
federal bodies, civil society organisations, and international and bilateral
organisations. (EUNTG Institutional Membership)

The overall framework for the activities of the UNTG on HIV/AIDS is provided
by a joint plan of action, which is reviewed on a regular basis. The priorities
for action, as defined by the joint plan, include:

• Advocacy;
• HIV prevention;
• Treatment, care and support to people living with HIV/AIDS;
• Strategic information;
• Monitoring, evaluation, financial planning and management;
• Partnership with civil society;
• UN capacity building and coordination.

Technical Working Groups established under the Expanded UNTG on HIV/AIDS
constitute a mechanism that allows the Theme Group to fully perform its
functions. Technical Working Groups bring together representatives of
organisations and institutions interested and engaged in particular areas of the
response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.