Abstract #211  -  Articulating the what, why and how of the application of the GIPA principle in Kenya, Zambia and Nigeria
Authors:   Presenting Author:   Dr Kevin Moody - Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+)
Additional Authors:  Ms. Rahab Mwaniki, Mr. Peter Mweke, Mr. Kenly Sikwese,
Aim: The principle of the greater involvement of people living with HIV (the GIPA principle) has been increasingly recognised following the United Nations General Assemblys Special Session on HIV and the 2001 Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS. However, there are no means of measuring its application by governments and organizations. The GIPA Report Card is a tool that assists people living with HIV in articulating, What do we mean by GIPA?, Why do we need it? and How can we achieve it? The tools, which consists of a questionnaire and user guide, is currently being implemented in Kenya, Zambia and Nigeria. The findings will provide unique insights into the operation of the GIPA principle in-country and be a tool to promote the meaningful involvement of PLHIV in national responses.
Method / Issue: The process for implementing the GIPA Report Card involves a literature review of available documents; and face-to-face interviews with male and female people living with HIV who are either working in organizations and networks of people living with HIV, or for nongovernmental organizations, donor agencies or United Nations agencies, or who have previously worked extensively on the application of the GIPA principle. PLHIV networks in Kenya, Zambia and Nigeria are managing the consultative process in their respective countries.
Results / Comments: Preliminary data from Kenya, Zambia and Nigeria points to key lessons learnt on the application of the GIPA principle. These focus on knowledge of the GIPA principle, levels of involvement of people living with HIV in national policy development, incorporation of the GIPA principle in national planning documents and strategies, recognition of people living with HIV as experts, and representation from PLHIV networks. The findings also highlight barriers to preventing the greater involvement of PLHIV, and include stigma and discrimination, lack of confidence in PLHIV organizations and/or networks, and lack of understanding and clarity on what the GIPA principle means. Results from the implementation of the GIPA Report Card has implications for advocacy and for holding governments, NGOs, United Nations agencies, donors and organisations of people living with HIV accountable to their commitments relating to the application of the GIPA principle.
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