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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Closing Date for all nominations: May 13th 2013 at midnight CET

Background

The Global Network of People living with HIV (GNP+) is a network for all people living with HIV. Its mission is to improve the quality of life of people living with HIV. The organisation's vision is a powerful and united worldwide social movement of people living with HIV.

The GNP+ Strategic Plan 2011-2015 strongly urges GNP+ to effectively advocate for the rights of the community of people living with HIV by actively engaging and involving the full diversity of the community, across all key populations living with HIV¹ . Since June 2011, key populations living with HIV have been playing an integral part in the work of GNP+ and are presented in its governance, programmes and partners.

In November 2012, more than twenty community leaders who advocate for the health and rights of key populations living with HIV (Further referred to as 'KPLHIV') came together in Cape Town, South Africa to identify and articulate a common and mutual understanding of the term 'key populations' and their needs² . The group called on GNP+ to develop a mechanism through which GNP+ will ensure all current and future programming and advocacy is responsive to these priorities.

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