The National Consultation on “Strategic Engagement of Civil Society Networks and Faith Actors in the National HIV Response – AIDS Back on the Agenda” begins today at Baywatch Resort, Colva, from 28 to 30 September 2022. The three-day event is organised by the World Council of Churches with support from Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and hosted by Goa-based, youth-focused NGO Human Touch Foundation.
The consultation will have participation from key stakeholders from all over the country, that is, people living with HIV and key populations (sex workers, men having sex with men, people who inject drugs, transgender and other affected groups), the faith sector, civil society networks, UN agencies, the National AIDs Control Organization and the Country Coordination Mechanism of the Global Fund.
Through the Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS: On the FastTrack to Accelerating the Fight against HIV and to Ending the AIDS Epidemic by 2030, the world has pledged within the Sustainable Development Goals to end the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030. Countries, including India, have committed to a fast-track approach from now until 2020 to close the global HIV and AIDS resource gap and to fully fund the HIV and AIDS response with the target of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
The consultation will aim to develop a joint advocacy plan for the sustainability of an efficient, effective, integrated and sustainable AIDS response in India, with a participatory methodology, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the India’s fast-track agenda. It will further strengthen collaboration between stakeholders (people living with HIV and key populations, the faith sector, civil society networks, UN agencies, NACO and India CCM.
The consultation, which brings together HIV experts from India, will provide a space for sharing experiences on the progress and will engage with faith leaders to discuss the prevention and zero discrimination targets, challenges and unmet needs. Finally, it will facilitate a discussion around strategies and mechanisms to transition into nationally sustainable responses to end AIDS as a public health threat in India by 2030.
For more information, contact: Applesta Maryann Da Costa, Head of Operations @ +91 86988 00215 | applesta.dacosta@humantouch.ngo