As part of our ongoing commitment to empowering key population-led organizations, SKPA-2 is proud to partner with Seven Alliance, a network dedicated to enhancing regional learning, capacity-building, and technical assistance for community-based organizations. While elements of this work are already supported by the Global Fund, gaps remain, and this partnership will help provide the additional resourcing needed to drive meaningful impact.
“Through the SKPA-2 Global Fund multi-country grant, the collaboration between the Seven Alliance and Health Equity Matters demonstrates the strength of regional solidarity in advancing the HIV response across Asia and the Pacific. By aligning community-led knowledge with technical collaboration, we’re helping to shape a more responsive, inclusive, and sustainable approach to the region’s evolving needs,”
commented Harry Prabowo, Program Manager of Asia Pacific Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (APN+).
Key Areas of Collaboration:
- Supporting the Asia-Pacific Regional Learning Hub – The Regional Learning Hub is part of the Global Fund’s Community Engagement Strategic Initiative (2024-2026). SKPA-2’s partnership with Seven Alliance will strengthen community engagement, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building by supporting essential communication tools (e.g., Gmail for Business, MailChimp, Zoom, Canva) and funding a Regional Learning Hub Communication Officer to manage outreach and content.
- Expanding Access to Short-Term Technical Assistance – Many community-based organizations struggle to access technical assistance opportunities from UNAIDS Technical Support Mechanism and other Global Fund initiatives. SKPA-2 is working with Seven Alliance to develop guidance tools and digital resources that simplify the application process and help communities navigate funding and technical assistance requests.
- Community-Led Monitoring Regional Dialogue – Seven Alliance hosted a dynamic two-day regional dialogue on community-led monitoring (CLM) in September 2024 in Bangkok. The event brought together community advocates from Eastern Europe, Central Asia (EECA), and the Asia-Pacific (AP) region to discuss successes, challenges, and innovative solutions in community health initiatives. The invaluable insights shared at the event reinforced our commitment to empowering community leaders in health advocacy. By integrating community-led approaches into national strategies, we can ensure that grassroots voices not only contribute to the conversation but also take the lead in shaping sustainable health solutions.
Through this collaboration, Seven Alliance will play a vital role in strengthening the region’s community-led HIV response, ensuring key population organizations are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to drive sustainable change.
“Our partnership with SKPA-2 is a significant step toward strengthening community-led capacity-building in the Asia-Pacific. By combining resources and expertise, we are enhancing technical assistance, improving access to learning opportunities, and ensuring that key population-led organizations have the tools they need to lead sustainable change. Moving forward, we envision deepening this collaboration by expanding the reach of the Regional Learning Hub, streamlining technical assistance access, and fostering stronger regional networks that amplify community voices in national and global health responses,”
said Sita Shahi, Regional Coordinator of International Community of Women Living with HIV in Asia Pacific (ICWAP).
Ikka Noviyanti, Regional Coordinator of Youth LEAD, added,
“Regional technical assistance is essential because it bridges the gap between global resources and local realities. By strengthening community-based organizations with tailored guidance, practical tools, and peer-driven learning, it ensures that grassroots leaders are not only equipped with the knowledge and skills they need but are also empowered to shape sustainable, locally-led solutions. Through initiatives like the Asia-Pacific Regional Learning Hub and targeted technical support, we’re making it easier for communities to access funding, navigate complex processes, and drive meaningful change in national health responses.”
Stay tuned for more updates on how SKPA-2 is working with regional partners to expand community leadership and engagement in HIV programming across the Asia-Pacific!
About the Seven Alliance:
The Seven Alliance is a consortium of Asia-Pacific networks of key populations and people living with HIV, established in 2022 to enhance the HIV response in the region. This unified body comprises seven regional organizations:
- APCOM Foundation (APCOM): Advocates for individuals of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, expressions, and sex characteristics, aiming for their full participation and sustainable development in health, rights, and well-being.
- Asia Pacific Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (APN+): Strives to improve the quality of life for people living with HIV in Asia and the Pacific through peer-led advocacy, leadership, and network strengthening.
- Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW): Promotes the rights of sex workers, recognizing sex work as legitimate work and advocating for their protection and participation.
- Asia Pacific Transgender Network (APTN): Envisions a society that upholds the rights and dignity of trans and gender-diverse individuals, enabling them to organize and advocate across various life aspects.
- International Community of Women Living with HIV in Asia Pacific (ICWAP): Aims for a world where all women living with HIV live free from gender oppression, realizing their full rights, including sexual, reproductive, legal, economic, and health rights.
- Network of Asian People who Use Drugs (NAPUD): Seeks to amplify the voices of people who use drugs in Asia, defending their health and human rights, and promoting harm reduction to end criminalization and discrimination.
- Youth LEAD: Empowers adolescents and young key populations across the Asia-Pacific region, striving for an inclusive environment where their human rights are respected.
Published on: 10-Apr-2025
