HIV/AIDS Interactive Multi-Stakeholder Hearing
Keeping HIV high on the political agenda is no mean feat during the current Covid-19 pandemic crisis. Ensuring the community concerns, needs and challenges are flagged and addressed are as important now as at any time during the 40years struggle to address HIV.
Despite public health crises significantly affecting HIV response, APCOM remains optimistic. We acknowledge UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima’s progressive language in addressing the HLM Multi-Stakeholder Hearing stating that “communities are uniquely positioned to reflect on the successes and challenges and make recommendations for the future of the HIV global response”, and “further acknowledging the marginalization and criminalization of people living with HIV and of key populations—sex workers, people who use drugs, gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, and transgender people and other groups like prisoners.”
On 23 April APCOM along with other civil society organizations and key stakeholders from across the world gathered virtually during the Multi stakeholder Hearing that was held as part of the preparatory process for the HLM.
Inad Rendon, from the Philippines, APCOM Programme Officer submitted a video intervention on the importance of community-led interventions in addressing structural barriers.
There was strong key population representation from Asia and the Pacific region with Kay Thi, from Myanmar, Regional Coordinator of the Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW) on the panel focusing on political leadership, partnerships, advocacy, community ownership, monitoring and accountability.
Ikka Noviyanti, from Indonesia, Advocacy Officer of Youth LEAD gave a very impactful closing statement with H.E. Mr. Mitchell Fifield, Permanent Representative Austalia to the UN, and Co-facilitator for the High-Level Meeting on HIV and AIDS, and H.E. Ms. Tegan Brink, Chef de Cabinet of the President of the General Assembly.
Further information on the HIV/AIDS Interactive Multi-Stakeholder Hearing (23 April 2021) can be accessed here:
