Over the past twenty years, strategies adopted by governments affected by human immunodeficiency virus and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) have gradually changed to ensure a more holistic and effective response to the epidemic. Two major shifts have occurred. Countries have moved from a strictly "health" to a "multisector" approach, and broad interventions have emerged that focus not only on the individual but also on structural issues. An increased range of actors from the civil society and the private sector have joined countries in the struggle against HIV/AIDS. In some countries, the civil society has played an instrumental role in providing a sense of urgency and conscience among stakeholders. This sense of common purpose culminated with the adoption of a Declaration of Commitment by 189 member states, acting on behalf of governments in June 2001 at the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS (UNGASS). The declaration covers numerous areas from leadership to resources; HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and support; and the reduction of vulnerability to exposure to HIV infection, to name a few. The declaration document still reflects the reluctance of some governments to confront sensitive issues such as high-risk behavior in certain population groups by intentionally omitting to name them and instead using vague descriptions. However, by addressing human rights principles, gender inequality, vulnerability, poverty, and inequity, the declaration provides a broad framework for an expanded response to the epidemic, including tailored programs for those vulnerable groups. This article focuses on two topics: (1) the added value of the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and the monitoring framework for improving the national response to HIV/AIDS in member states; and (2) the lessons learned from the first round of reporting with respect to the extent and quality of reporting. (Contains 3 tables.)