May 26th, 2015 (Oakland, CA)—Earlier this month, The Global Forum on MSM & HIV (MSMGF) assembled a think tank of over 50 global influencers for a forecast scenario consultation, marking the start of its Strategic Planning process. The goal: envision the future and inspire creativity, adapting to a rapidly changing environment so as to serve gay men, other men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people most effectively and efficiently.
The global HIV landscape is changing at an accelerated pace. Advances in HIV treatment and prevention are promising but challenges still persist due to lack of access, civil rights inequities and other issues facing MSM and transgender people around the world. MSMGF also recognizes opportunities to capitalize on the technology boom to reach more people than ever before in a very direct way using fewer resources.
The 3-day consultation included the leadership of all MSM regional networks, the MSMGF Board and Steering Committee and leadership from both the Youth and Transgender Reference Groups. There was impassioned participation and interaction by activists, researchers, funders and policy makers alike.
Some of the many highlights were presentations on changes at PEPFAR by Cornelius Baker, Civil Society Leadership, Office of Global AIDS Coordination and Health Diplomacy, U.S. State Department, and an overview on the Global Fund to End AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria’ Strategic Framework given by Kate Thompson, the Head of the Critical Enablers and Civil Society Hub. MSMGF will extend Strategic Planning through December 2015 with a final plan presented in early 2016. This process will allow us to consider parallel strategic planning processes already underway in
the Global Fund, UNAIDS, UNDP and WHO and better align with them where appropriate.
View a full selection of photos from the event to share and tag on Facebook HERE.
In the coming months, look out for additional opportunities to input into the future strategic direction of MSMGF and partnering towards a shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero AIDS-related deaths and zero discrimination.
In the coming months, look out for additional opportunities to input into the future strategic direction of MSMGF and partnering towards a shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero AIDS-related deaths and zero discrimination.
