LGBTI Networks in Addressing HIV/AIDS Issues in SA Cape Town March 2009

Background Focus on the Joint Working Group (JWG). Started in 2002 and have had combined programming including the same sex marriage programme and collaborative research. 25 LGBTI organisations throughout South Africa. In November 2007, the JWG committed itself to a combined HIV programme. It is to meet the specified target in the Governments National Strategic Plan (NSP), specifically in relation to MSM and WSW, but also to include these issues within broader targets of the NSP. An operational plan was developed in September Of importance is that inclusion in National Plans does not automatically result in programming. These Governmental processes is slow, this is in context of urgent needs.

Focus Areas of Work Research and monitoring. National prevalence, incidence and behavioural data Mainstreaming. Integration within policies, procedures and practices of all levels of Govt and Civil Society. It includes representation in SANAC and a specific LGBTI sector in the next NSP Advocacy and Activism. Broader social justice by advocating for media and messaging that is consistent and clear as well as for public education programmes. Building the sector for service delivery. One urban and one rural area in each province. Includes socio-economic services.

Research National prevalence data plus identified behavioural data. Longitudinal, also to potentially measure programme impact

Mainstreaming Develop a mainstreaming programme for the Departments of Health and Social Development. Testing, treatment and care, ensuring inclusion in the National Department of Health National Calendar of activities. Sexual orientation and gender identity included in the Life Orientation curriculum in schools. Have a LGBTI sector in SANAC by Have appropriate barrier methods including Femidoms rolled out to 50% of state clinics. Increased visibility of the LGBTI sector within broader social movements.

Advocacy On-going engagement with political parties to ensure inclusion in their agendas. Engage community newspapers and community radio stations for clear consistent messaging. Engage an ad agency to produce shows and TV ad campaigns (pro bono) LGBT sector engaging with all religious, traditional and curtural leaders. Use significant public holidays for messaging and integration.

Strengthening the sector for service delivery Safe, social, community building spaces in one urban and rural area in each province by Organisation in each province to address identified mental and sexual health issues. Increase access to barrier methods. Mainstream/specialised treatment and care. Including adherence. Socio-economic services. Food support, access to housing.

Conclusion The JWG is a network with no formalised structure. The National HIV programme is big and there are serious questions on the capacity of the JWG to hold large scale programmes. Might implement some of the plan’s elements. A Network is ideal for representation of issues for example representation on SANAC. Services and research might be best done by member organisations without national, co-ordinated upscaling.