Advocacy 1

What is Advocacy? ● Organized effort to influence policy change/decision making ● Action directed at changing approach of an individual/institution/group ● Process to persuade all influential individuals/groups/organizations through dialogue to adopt an effective approach to an issue 2

Advocacy is called for when… ● Needed programs are not in place, not being done well, or not brought to scale, because: ● The law doesn’t allow them ● Present policies don’t fit with them ● Institutional structures impede them ● People don’t see them as priorities or oppose them outright 3

Effective Advocacy is NOT merely: ● Increasing awareness of a problem ● Raising concern ● ‘Talking up’ possible solutions ● Getting a dialogue started 4 Contd…

But since we can’t communicate with laws, policies or institutional protocols… Effective advocacy is communication for change targeted to the people who have the power to change the laws, policies, institutional structures and social environments, to reach program goals 5 Contd…

Effective Advocacy is… Communication for change targeted to ● Laws, policies and their execution ● Institutional structures and protocols ● Social and cultural environments to reach program goals 6 Contd…

Effective Advocacy is… Based on clear strategic thinking Focused on a needed change Limited to priority issues Targeted to those who can make changes Results-oriented Evidence-based Developed through broad-based participation of concerned stakeholders 7

Need for Advocacy in IDU Context IDUs are often looked down upon as ‘criminals’, bad elements, negative influencers on the society IDUs remain hidden from mainstream of society IDUs are often not able to access general health as well as tailored services freely as a result of stigma Often, NSE & OST programs for IDUs are met with resistance from the general community and law enforcement agencies Society often forgets the needs of an IDU 8

Benefits of Advocacy ● Advocacy benefits both implementers and IDUs: ● Implementers  Enables them to implement their programs without any interference or hassles from the various stakeholders ● IDUs  Enables them to access needed services without fear of stigma/discrimination, ridicule & violence 9

Advocacy in IDU Interventions Advocacy helps persuade influential individuals, groups and organizations to adopt effective approaches to HIV/AIDS among IDUs as quickly as possible Advocacy also aims at effectively preventing HIV transmission among IDUs by : starting maintaining increasing specific activities to a scale Advocacy assists in providing treatment, care and support for IDUs living with HIV/AIDS 10

Principles of Advocacy in an IDU TI Advocacy activities should: Not harm Protect the rights of IDUs and people living with HIV/AIDS Balance short-term pragmatic goals with long- term developmental goals Relate to evidence-based approaches and activities Concentrate on both prevention of HIV & treatment, care and support Target different sectors of society and key individuals Use multiple channels and techniques at the same time Involve IDUs and PLHAs in planning, implementing and evaluating 11

Steps in Advocacy 12 Conducting analysis of the situation Developing an advocacy strategy Undertaking action to achieve advocacy goals Regular monitoring & evaluation to assess the outcome

Advocacy Matrix – An Example Possible Stakeholders Power/ Influence Expected role in intervention Planned strategy/ Activities Expected Output Peers Pushers/peddler Local club Sexual partners Police Policy makers Lawyers NGOs/CBO Condom outlets Pharmacy Doctors/healthcare providers ICTC/RNTCP/ART Family 13

Advocacy with Law Enforcement Working with law enforcement agencies and gaining their support for harm reduction services is essential to avoid the police targeting IDUs or the staff who work with these IDUs. Key strategies include: Involving senior-level police officers in the planning and development of harm-reduction services Letter of support from them for harm-reduction services Education for police officers working in areas with known drug use/peddling Using supportive police officers in advocacy work with other police officials Periodic visits to the local police stations Organizing HIV awareness meetings with the police 14

Key Learning Advocacy is the key to an enabling environment for IDUs to access available HIV prevention and related services Advocacy helps program staff to implement their projects without interference and risks from groups Advocacy is successful if it is planned and executed with active involvement of the IDU community An effective advocacy strategy must clearly identify specific target audiences 15 Contd…

Key Learning In order to reduce the stigma that is associated with injecting drug use and associated HIV, awareness programs are necessary for the general population Creating an enabling environment for the community is one of the fundamental prerequisites of community mobilization. Advocacy activities help to create this environment 16

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