National networks of people living with HIV from Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia presented findings from the GIPA Report Card at AIDSImpact 2009 in Gaborone, Botswana. NEPHAK (Kenya), NEPHWAN (Nigeria) and NZP+ (Zambia) completed interviews for the GIPA Report Card as part of the GNP+/WAC programme HIV Leadership Through Accountability.

Evidence-gathered through face-to-face interviews with people living with HIV who are either working in organisations and networks of people living with HIV, or for NGOs, private sector, donor and UN agencies, found that knowledge of the GIPA principle was low in Kenya. Knowledge levels were high in Nigeria and Zambia, but interviewees were not clear how the GIPA principle was being implemented through national processes or how it was being measured.

Interviewees identified poverty, fear of stigma, low skill levels and limited understanding of the GIPA principle as key barriers to involvement. Specific opportunities for leadership were highlighted including engagement in the development of national strategic frameworks and anti-discrimination policy.

Presenting at AIDSImpact 2009, Rahab Mwaniki of NEPHAK stated, ‘this study highlights the importance of recognising the expertise and lived experience of people living with HIV in national HIV responses. People living with HIV networks are rolling out operational research on issues such as stigma and the sexual and reproductive health and rights of people living with HIV and this evidence can guide national policy and programmatic efforts.’

The GIPA Report Card is a unique tool in that it measures the application of the GIPA principle in the national response to HIV. Results from the implementation of the GIPA Report Card will form the basis of advocacy on the meaningful involvement of people living with HIV by networks in-country. Networks of people living with HIV are actively engaging in and advocating for their participation in policy development, particularly this year while national strategic frameworks in Kenya and Zambia are under review. Final reports will be available by World AIDS Day 2009.

The presentation of the results you can find here.  Presentation GIPA Report Card at AIDSImpact Gabarone 2009 111.76 KB