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�RAPPORTEUR TEAM -Track D �

Members and Home Countries

Rapporteurs
Mary Chigumira – Zimbabwe
Mary Tumushime – Zimbabwe/Uganda
Musindo Casper Mandava - Zimbabwe
Zivai Mupambireyi Nenguke - Zimbabwe
Lead Rapporteur
Dr. Kingsley Saa-Touh Mort - Ghana

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Statistics

Number of sessions:34
Number of speakers: 111

Present: 104
Absent: 7

Number of chairs: 40

Present: 35
Absent: 5

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Theme

Despite remarkable progress, there has been a global increase ( 37%) in new HIV infections among young people
Key populations continue to be disproportionately affected

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) persons
People with disabilities
People who use drugs
Prison inmates
Sex workers
Young people especially adolescent girls and young women (AGYW)

Only 2/3rds of adolescents are on ART, with viral suppression - clearly AIDS is NOT over

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LAW, Human Rights, and Political Science

Key populations have been systematically and judicially persecuted/discriminated against – this is not considered acceptable on a human rights basis

Some African governments have not shown enough commitment to decriminalize same-sex relationships and sex work

Enacting anti-rights laws (e.g., Ugandan law against, same-sex marriages)

Engagement of youths in programme processes leads to sustainable development (USAID policy). PARADIGM SHIFT

An international commitment by UNAIDS and WHO was made in 2023 to end AIDS in children by 2030

- children accounted for 13% of global deaths due to HIV – obviously children must not be left behind!

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Social Science

In the maiden report of the stigma index, internalized stigma was very high (84.8) among key populations.

The implication of people living with HIV and AIDS who hide their HIV status can be affected by depression, stress, and social isolation.

Keeping one’s HIV status secret limits access to life-saving treatment and presents adherence challenges.
The UNAIDS highlighted inequalities as driving HIV/AIDS in Africa.

socio-economic inequalities have been presented as a major driver of HIV.
Ending social and economic inequalities was proposed as key to ending HIV.

High infections among prison inmates: People enter the prison negative and leave positive.

this is an exclusively important population, because they are underrepresented population – The voice of these prison inmates matter.

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Social Science

Exclusion race line for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)

ICASA - two sessions for PwDs had no sign language interpreters.
Limited materials in braille, some session venues are not accessible (Jacaranda)

In some African communities, influencers such as traditional leaders and faith-based organizations play a crucial role in the HIV response.
Traditional/faith-based leaders are custodians of culture.

In the words of Minister Robert Serwanga of Uganda, culture is born, culture grows, culture falls sick, and culture dies.

To eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030, this is a duty for everyone.

This is because all lives matter.
Should key populations be left behind, the rest of society will become vulnerable.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

Commitments to Legal reforms and human rights

There is a need to review “laws” and policies to address the specific needs of key populations

2. Political Leadership

Like SDGS and the UNAIDS goal of 95-95-95, African governments should set new targets upon which citizens can hold them accountable.

3. Key populations deserve another chance

Citizens, communities, and political authorities should not assume the roles of moral judges.

4. Recognition of young people and key populations in ICASA –

Inclusion of young people as panellists, chairs, and facilitators is a recognizable commitment.
This must be continued at an increased level.