[procaare] HCC:Post Conference discussion -24

[Insight Initiative Team <insight@hdnet.org>]

HCC: Post Conference discussion - 24
- HDN Key Correspondents/Rapporteur Team,Thailand
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Partnerships: A strategy to address Stigma

"Given the size of the epidemic and the magnitude of stigma around it, partnerships are
required. There are persistent blind spots along the way and it continues to be very
critical to have complementary partnerships." Stu Flavell from GNP+ said this as he gave
his speech in the last plenary session of the Fifth International Conference on Home and
Community Care for PLHAs in Chiang Mai. Stigma has been discussed as a major obstacle not
only to partnerships, but to the implementation of comprehensive HCC as well. When success
stories are told, partnerships are often not acknowledged, yet they play a crucial
complementary role in helping to achieve desired goals.

Stu went on to explain how partnerships at an individual level personally helped him to
overcome self- stigma. These were partnerships with the local Catholic Parish and with his
medical doctor. At GNP+ level, partnership with the International Red Cross and Red
Crescent helped in the massive advocacy work that GNP+ has been involved in. They have
moved from a situation where a group of white gay activists were protesting outside the UN
building to a recognized and respected organization that sits at negotiating tables with
UN officials. This high profile that GNP+ now has, helps to fight stigma on PLHAs.

The process of building these partnerships was pointed out to be key in ensuring that the
shared vision is realized. Emphasis was put on building bridges not building empires. Stu
added that, commitment to the partnership is vital and so is trust and space for
expression by both parties. Acknowledging weaknesses helps. Dr Alvaro Bermejo reiterated
these processes of partnership in the same plenary session in a speech entitled 'The
International Collaboration in Scaling up the Local Response'. He said, "Collaboration
makes dreams come true. Scale up enough to impact" He added that working on internal
stigma and denial was an important aspect of the collaboration.

Although regional business coalitions would be instrumental in facilitating a process
where private companies develop workplace HIV/AIDS policies, the bottom line of business
motive-making maximum profit, reinforces stigma of PLHAs.
Mr. William Black made a shocking but realistic statement that most business people,
including himself, would not employ a PLWHA who is open about his/her HIV status because
it affects business. He added that HIV/AIDS was not a priority to most businesses.
Although the business community is not yet ready to partner with everyone else in the
fight against stigma on HIV/AIDS, Bermejo had this to say, "AIDS will transform
governments, NGOs and businesses."

HDN Key Correspondent Team
Rapporteur Team
E-mail: correspondents@hdnet.org

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The Insight Initiative Project is managed by Health & Development Networks (HDN) in
collaboration with the Thailand Red Cross Society, the World Health Organization and the
Royal Thailand Government, with financial support from AusAid and UNAIDS.

For more information about this project (the 'Insight Initiative'), visit the HDN website
at: http://www.hdnet.org

Fifth International Conference on Home and Community Care for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS
Chiang Mai, Thailand - 17-20 December 2001
Website: http://www.hiv2001.com


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