We know that those most affected by HIV are best placed to influence and shape the policies, laws, and practices needed to end the AIDS epidemic in their country.
PITCH is a strategic partnership between Aids fonds, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs working with those most affected by HIV in enabling these groups to transform (inter)national HIV responses by strengthening their advocacy skills and capacities and promoting innovative evidence-informed practice.
This will durably enable them to advocate for a more effective response to ensure all people have equal access to sexual and reproductive health services, including HIV-related services. For five years, these partners will jointly work towards ending the AIDS epidemic in the regions and countries most affected by HIV through an inclusive, in-country, in-depth approach to international lobby and advocacy.
In 2014, 36.9 million people are living with HIV. HIV prevalence is estimated to be
28 times higher among people who inject drugs
12 times higher among sex workers
19 times higher among gay men and other men who have sex with men
60% of new infections among young people globally are among young women aged 15-24.
The people who most need HIV services often have poor access to effective treatment and prevention options.
In 2014, there were 1.4 million new HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the need for increased prevention services. In 2014, 22 million people with HIV were not receiving lifesaving treatment globally. As a result of this, 1.2 million people died from AIDS-related illnesses. These are unnecessary deaths and we need to act now!
Public Health Ambassadors Uganda (PHAU) with support from Community Health Alliance Uganda (CHAU) will reach out to Adolescent girls and Young Women (AGYW) with information on Sexual and reproductive health and rights for those most affected by HIV.
Sexual and reproductive health and rights are fully realized for AGYW through well-coordinated, technically competent, sustained and KP-led partnership-building and mobilization. Empowered and articulate advocates participate in local and national policy-making and political spaces to ensure that appropriate, technically competent, integrated SRHR and HIV services are available country-wide. CSOs mobilize communities to demand and utilize services and to promote their own and others’ health and well-being. Structural factors increasing vulnerability to HIV infection and poor sexual and reproductive health are fully addressed through a range of health and non-health interventions fully tailored to the specific health and social needs of AGYW. Enabling laws and policies to promote health and rights are in place and fully implemented. As a result, new HIV infections are reduced for AGYW in line with national and global targets for 2020 and beyond.
Our work will be based on actual needs during 2016-2010 and will be guided by our Theory of Change. Final beneficiaries will include; Adolescents Girls and Young Women (AGYW). Our advocacy targets will include relevant regional and national government ministries and departments, police, journalist, donors, CSOs, judiciary, media, cultural and religious leaders, health care providers, Implementing partners, judiciary, politicians, parliamentarians among others.
