June 9, 2016 - New York - PEPFAR. The U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) announced today the creation of a $100 million Key Populations Investment Fund to expand access to proven HIV prevention and treatment services for key populations. The Fund, which was announced during the 2016 United Nations High-Level Meeting on Ending AIDS, will support innovative, tailored, community-led approaches to address critical issues and gaps that exist for key populations in the HIV/AIDS response.
"We will only end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 if no one is left behind," said U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator Ambassador Deborah L. Birx, M.D. "It is unacceptable that key populations still face stigma, discrimination, and violence, which impede their ability to access quality HIV services. PEPFAR stands firmly and unequivocally with and for key populations, defined by UNAIDS as gay men and other men who have sex with men, transgender people, sex workers, and people who inject drugs, and prisoners, and we are deeply committed to protecting and promoting their health and human rights."
In order for key populations not to be left behind in the global HIV/AIDS response we must ensure that specific barriers are addressed. These include the lack of acceptance of human rights of all persons, without distinction; systematic and rigorous measurement and monitoring of stigma and discrimination and clear actions to mitigate; access to quality services for key populations; availability of disaggregated data by key populations; and focus on improving the capacity of key populations-led, community-based organizations not only to advocate for changes in policies but also directly implement services. Continue reading…