ABSTRACT
This research project examined inter-governmental relations in the health sector in South Africa. It focused on HIV/AIDS services but the intention was to use HIV/AIDS as a tracer or probe of broader health system functioning. The main objectives of the research were to describe what HIV/AIDS services are provided; how the different functions are allocated between government actors; and how they are then coordinated. The study was conducted in two parts. Phase 1 was completed in the second half of 2002 and provided a broad National Overview of HIV/AIDS activities in the national; provincial and local spheres of government. Phase 2 was done in early 2003 and consisted of detailed Case Studies from three different tracer municipalities. The research methodology was mainly qualitative and exploratory and included literature review; document analysis and key informant interviews