Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org

In-country MARP Leadership solutions for Civil Society

Presented by Yolanda Simon Executive Director

CRN+ Washington DC

23 July, 2012

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org

Who are Most At Risk Populations (MARPS)? Why are they important?

• Most at risk Populations (MARPS) are persons who are marginalize, stigmatized and discriminated against.

• MARPS are such groups either “hidden” or” hard-to-reach” and include groups such as MSM, SW, Drug Users and Prisoners.

• MARPS are also people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV)

• They have little or no voice and tend to be underground

• The epidemic continues to have its greatest impact in these populations (MARPS/PLHIV)

• The presence of Stigma and Discrimination continues to impact on the health seeking behaviours of these individuals and therefore highlights the gaps in prevention services

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org

Do they have allies? Who are they?

• NGO’s = MARPS• CBO’s = MARPS• FBO’s = MARPS• Government = MARPS• Private Sector = MARPS

MARPS are integrated and involved at all levels of society

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org

Advocacy• Quiet lobby can and have influence policy

change(s)

• Advocacy must be at all levels, National, Regional/Sub-Regional, International level(s)

• At the national level champions need to be indentified, promoted and supported

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org

Sub-Regional advocacy• Health system strengthening vs government public health

responsibilities must be balanced

• On-going research lead by MARPs/PLHIV with support from the traditional institutions (CHRC, UWI, PAHO/PHCO) must be a priority

• Capacity building of MARPs and PLHIV communities in ensuring in country leadership for civil society must also be a priority

• Policymakers should be approached with evidence-based advocacy highlighting the prevention benefits of an enabling environment for MARPS/PLHIV.

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org

Sub-Regional Advocacy • The local circumstances are situation specific

• There must be continuous environmental scan

• Must ensure that we reach target and impact the right people, the populations and the right issues

• At the sub-regional level advocacy and solidarity is necessary to link with the bigger picture i.e. to mobilize resources and to galvanize political will

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org

The role of MARPs and PLHIV• There must be closer collaboration and integration of MARPs

and PLHIV organizations in the region (CVC, CRN+, CFLAG)

• There needs to strengthen the relationship between the regional organizations (as above) and its national affiliates

• The need to identify who are the allies and develop strategic partnerships with them

• A need identify resources to support joint and individual plans

• The need to develop a regional advocacy plan

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org

The way forward?• In-country MARP Leadership solutions for Civil Society

must include “state of the union” (report) which gives the “other” perspective and keeps watch on the national understanding an representation of the issues on the national, regional and international level

• MARPs are core components of the global response and must be involved in any or all levels (leadership)

• That they own – and no “ownership” is “given” but is “inherent”

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org

...Not the problem but has always been part of the solution...

I thank you for your attention...• Gracias

• Merci beaucoup• Dank u