1. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org The HIV/AIDS Civil Society Forum and Think Tank: from policy to action Anna Zakowicz HIV/AIDS Civil Society Forum 24 July 2012

2. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org 2 Why EU and partners? international dimension Joint actions to combat HIV/AIDS UNAIDS, WHO EURO, ECDC, EMCDDA, UNODC, GFTAM MDG, Dublin, Vilnius, Gleneagles, Bremen, Heiligendamm exchange of information dissemination of best practices co-ordination of activities + approaches policy development PREVENTION

3. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org How to Act? How to Respond? Supra National National Regional Local Politics Governmental Org. Civil society (Infra)structures Implementation of policy frameworks!

4. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org 4 EU HIV/AIDS Strategy + Policy Fundamental aspect: Prevention 1 st HIV/AIDS strategy and action plan 2005-2009 Commission Communication on combating HIV/AIDS in the EU and neighbouring countries, 2009 – 2013 (COM/2009/569) and action plan Consultations: TT, CSF, stakeholders Impact Assessment FOCUS: Eastern Europe/Priority regions, prevention target groups, HIV testing and care, awareness, epidemiology, anti-discrimination, leadership and coordination

5. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org EU level: Commission Communication on combating HIV/AIDS in the EU and neighbouring countries, 2009-2013 PREVENTION Priority groups Priority regions Knowledge base and dissemination end 2013 end 2009

6. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org Action Plan 50 actions Political leadership Prevention Priority regions Priority groups Improving knowledge Monitoring & evaluation

7. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org Joint Implementation at the European Level Member States Commission and Agencies International Organisation Neighbouring Countries Common Goals Civil Society Think Tank Civil Society Forum ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org 8 EC activities: Structures Think TankCivil Society Forum - conception and action at EU level - Composition: EU, Candidate Countries, Russian Federation, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, EEA/EFTA, Int. Org., Civil Society - coordination of activities between MS, partner countries and organisations Intra EC groups - reporting to TT - Composition: 33 organisations from EU and neighbourhood - enhance participation in policy, prevention, human rights, … Policy impact through co-operation

9. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org Think Tank was established in 2004 following the Dublin conference Think Tank is a forum for exchange of information and coordination of the response to HIV/AIDS in the EU and neighbouring countries Think Tank allows the perspectives of civil society to be heard and promotes interaction between government and civil society Think Tank provides a forum that allows EU Presidencies to consult with country experts and to seek information and advice The creation of a country representative forum has allowed countries opportunities to more in-depth and focused exchange of views Several respondents highlighted the value of the Think Tank HIV/AIDS Think Tank “The Think Tank is a solid platform to discuss successful approaches to prevention, service delivery for people living with HIV, and M&E” “Meetings have discussed topics including risk groups, health systems strategies, universal access and improving HIV prevention” “Regular updates on international and national developments and projects are an important component of Think Tank meetings… The resulting networking and exchange of policy and practice is a source of inspiration at national level”

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

11. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org HIV/AIDS Civil Society Forum The CSF established by the Commission in 2005 to ensure involvement of civil society in HIV policy development Co-chaired by AIDS Action Europe and European AIDS Treatment Group Diverse membership combining expertise –European networks –Local groups working on prevention, treatment, care –Advocacy and human rights groups including people living with HIV The CSF serves as the interface between European civil society, the Commission and the Think Tank, and plays a critical role in facilitating direct dialogue between civil society and policymakers CSF uses the Communication and Action Plan as a framework for meetings and for regional and national advocacy

12. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org HIV/AIDS Civil Society Forum- our work The CSF provided substantial inputs to the development of the Commission Communication and Action Plan Influenced new guidances – ECDC guidance on HIV testing, EMCDDA/ECDC guidance on prevention infections among people who inject drugs Support and direct engagement in monitoring of national situation (EC, ECDC, WHO/Europe)- eg. Greece Exchange of good practices, linking ongoing initiatives Reactions to national problems

13. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org HIV/AIDS Civil Society Forum- our work Inventory among CSF members on impact of financial cuts on access to HIV treatment, care and services: input for WHO EURO and ECDC Support for Ukrainian CSF member around ART and substitution treatment Preparation of a joint CSF reaction to the public consultation on the Commission Communication "Towards a Stronger European Response to Drugs Influencing the agenda and working with EU presidencies Several respondents highlighted the value of the CSF “It has great added value because you can exchange and learn and take back to your country what works in other countries” “The CSF gives a voice and provides a coordination platform for European civil society, strengthening their advocacy actions and democratising decision-making at the European level” “In my opinion, the CSF has seized the opportunity of participation in implementing and evaluating the response to HIV in the EU and neighbouring countries very well. It’s very valuable that there is a representation from all regions, that CSF representatives speak with one voice and issues discussed are presented at the Think Tank”

14. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org The Communication, Think Tank and Civil Society Forum (non- financial inputs) are important tools for galvanising political leadership and have helped keep HIV on the political agenda Support to ECDC has resulted in significant improvements in HIV- related epidemiological surveillance in the region Support to ECDC has resulted in improved M&E in the region HIV/AIDS CSF enabled civil society to become a meaningful stakeholder in policy shaping in Europe EFFECTS

15. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org Strengthen political leadership on critical issues Make better use of mechanisms and instruments to address the needs of priority groups in priority regions Build on progress to date to ensure access to prevention, treatment and care and to protect the rights of PLHIV Strengthen research and surveillance RECOMMENDATIONS

16. Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org Thanks to: Wolfgang Philipp, DG Sanco, EC Martine de Schutter, AIDS Action Europe Lella Cosmaro,Co-Chair CSF