GNP+ news and statements

A new report released today by the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+) and the HIV Justice Network¹ highlights the tireless work of advocates around the world challenging inappropriate criminal laws and prosecutions for HIV non-disclosure, potential or perceived exposure and transmission.

Advancing HIV Justice shows that advocates around the working to repeal, modernise or otherwise limit laws and policies that inappropriately regulate and punish people living with HIV have achieved considerable success. This is especially the case when policymakers or criminal justice system actors are open to learning more about scientific and medical advances in HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, and involve civil society – led by people living with HIV – to ensure that critical criminal law and human rights principles are followed.

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As part of a High Level Meeting on HIV and Human Rights in the European Union and its neighbouring countries (Brussels, 27-28 May 2013) with the theme "Right to health, right to life" Jeketerina Voinava of the Estonian Network of People Living with HIV presented not only the results of the People Living with HIV Stigma Index but also the advocacy initiatives that have resulted from it some two years later. These have included :

1. The results are being used by the Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs to develop and implement a more 'client- centred' approach to HIV testing and referral of PLHIV into treatment - with greater community input.

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GNP+ is saddened by the death of Shivananda Duncan George Khan OBE, also affectionately known by his friends and colleagues as "Shiv". Shivananda was the founder and Chief Executive of the Naz Foundation International (NFI) ,former Chair of the Asia Pacific Coalition on Male Sexual Health (APCOM), and a tireless advocate for the rights of MSM in Asia, which earned him the Order of the British Empire in 2005.

He died on May 20, 2013 in Lucknow, India and is survived by his partner, Ravindra Yadav.

For more information, please visit apcom.org

On Sunday the 19th of May, over 200,000 people worldwide will participate in the 30th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. Communities from Armenia to Zimbabwe and in cities as far north as Reykjavik in Iceland and as far south as Punta Arenas in Chile will take time together to remember the loved ones we have lost to AIDS and to celebrate the lives of all those living with HIV through sometimes difficult circumstances.

The HIV response has entered a critical phase. More people than ever are accessing much-needed treatment for their own health[i]. We also now know that increasing access to HIV treatment for people in need significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission to their partners and unborn children of people living with HIV. UNAIDS data show that as global access to HIV treatment increased, the growth of the epidemic has slowed down[ii]. For the first time global leaders actually dare to consider how an investment in the health of people living with HIV will contribute to an end to AIDS.

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As of April 29, 2013 Dr Kevin Moody has announced his intention to step down as International Coordinator / CEO of Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+), effective October 1, 2013.

The Co-Chairs would like to thank Dr Kevin Moody and reflect on his leadership and what he has achieved in the past seven years.

Kevin joined a nearly bankrupt GNP+ seven years ago. Through his leadership and the dedicated work of the GNP+ team, the organisation has become financially stable and has developed systems to ensure accountability of its programmes. Kevin's leadership assisted the Board to achieve new direction, greater visibility of the organisation and engagement of people living with HIV in policy making at the global level.

Anna Żakowicz, GNP+ Co-Chair states, "GNP+ is in a much better place as an organisation than it was seven years ago. Kevin's commitment, dedication, expertise and technical skills have benefited the quality of life of people living with HIV and brought GNP+ respect and support from partners".

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