News
Housing for PLWAs…… by 876 on July 23, 2010, 6:01 pm
Housing for PLWAs……
By Tyrone Hall, a Vienna Youth Force Youth Journalist, a Graduate Student at Clark University, USA
The discussion about HIV and AIDS often surrounds prevention despite the acute need for the provision of social services etcetera for those infected and affected by the disease.
Housing Works Inc, the largest non-profit AIDS advocacy organization is changing that pattern. Housing Works Inc which is based in New York seeks to provide comfortable and affordable housing solutions and medical care to PLWAs. The entity reaches more than 1 700 new clients each year and is poised to expand its services by dialoging here at the AIDS 2010 conference in Vienna, Austria.
Unlike most non-profits, Housing Works’ agenda isn’t dictated by grant providers, it is a progressive and self-sufficient entity. Housing Works Inc. owns a range of highly profitable businesses- thrift stores, building management and maintenance stores, medical facilities, as well as, a catering company and a book store. Amazingly too, ALL profits go towards Housing Works’ projects…so patrons who keep the multi-million dollar thrift stores abuzz should feel a sense of pride.
Housing Works’ has a young and vibrant staff too. Tree Alexander, a 24 year old Therapy Specialist, is one such staff member. Tree is excited about the work he does with Housing Works. He says “ I’m a nurturer by nature …I get to work with people and see things change…it is outside of the prevention side where you give people information and never see them again…you get to see people actually reach their goals.”
The enigmatic Tree Alexander works with individuals who are living with HIV and other disabilities (cancer, TB etc.). The youngster helps his clients to build a relationship with medical providers and to deal with their condition mentally, emotionally and physically. Tree says many of his clients have little to no access to care; many are positive and are also new residents in the areas where the organization operates.
Housing Works Inc. also operate in Washington DC, Mississippi, Puerto Rico and Haiti.
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Photography as an advocacy tool by aaysel on July 23, 2010, 2:47 pm
Photography as an advocacy tool
closing session at Vienna AIDS 2010 Youth Pavilion held
Different memories, different human destinies, different faces and different stories behind them ……It’s all about photography.
On the last day of International AIDS Conference 2010 Vienna Youth Force held a photography session – a very good opportunity to share best practices and experiences on how photography can be used to spread ideas.
Among the panel speakers were representatives of youth networks such as Y-PEER (www.youthpeer.org), independent photographers and Vienna Youth Force Media and Communications team (www.youthaids2010.org).
Speaking of photography as a powerful tool to spread advocacy messages, Y-PEER International Coordinator for Media & Communications Davron Mirsagatov went back to 2007 when the first Y-PEER photo contest occurred. Another part of Y-PEER comprehensive multimedia advocacy campaign is the recent interactive exhibition “Youth in Arab States: Changing the World for the Better” sharing life stories of young people from Arab states and challenges they overcome within their communities.
In her turn, Vienna YouthForce Media and Communications Co-Chair Elisabeth Szerencsics showed off the impressive photos of AIDS 2010 youth journalists – a nice recognition of their hard work and commitment during the conference.
The session was finalized by a group photo.
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Party time! by aaysel on July 23, 2010, 2:40 pm
On July 22nd, 2010 youth peer education network - Y-PEER (www.youthpeer.org) – hosted a networking event and party to celebrate the work young people did at International AIDS Conference 2010. The event’s agenda included launching of Y-PEER HIV knowledge applications for phones and live performances from Y-PEER ambassadors Dani, Ana Stanic, Gharby and Hollywood actor Sammy Sheik.
Y-PEER believes that young people are influenced by pop culture and pop culture icons like movie stars, popular bands and singers. As a result, Y-PEER has set a group of celebrities around the globe to help to spread the messages of youth empowerment, healthy lifestyle and responsible behaviour.
Thus, young people had an opportunity to network, socialise and have fun, accompanied by spectacular performances of Y-PEER celebrities!
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Knowledge is Key...Know Your Rights! by 876 on July 23, 2010, 10:16 am
Knowledge is Key...Know Your Rights!
By Tyrone Hall, a Vienna Youth Force Youth Journalist and Graduate Student at Clark University, USA
The HIV and AIDS issue is a Human Rights issue. And with every right, there is a responsibility.
Know your universal human rights and demand that they are respected!
You have the right to:
-Life
-Privacy
-Information
-Education
-Work
-Non-Discrimination
-Political and Civil Rights
These are your rights even if you are a member of a vulnerable population or happen to be a migrant, refugee or an internally displaced person.
The battle for a representative, potent and sustainable youth agenda must have these rights at its core. That battle will only be won if we educate ourselves and refrain from being patronized. Get involved, peruse the international instruments and internalize them, demand action now.
Here are the main instruments:
The United Nations Charter, 1945
The Universal Declaration on Human Rights, 1948
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1976
The Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women, 1981
The Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989
The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families, 2003
The African Charter of Human and Peoples’ Rights, 1981
The World Conference on Human Rights, 1993
The International Conference on Population and Development and the Cairo Plan of Action, 1994
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He Who Pays the Piper Calls the Tune! by 876 on July 23, 2010, 9:59 am
He Who Pays the Piper Calls the Tune!
By Tyrone Hall, a Vienna Youth Force Youth Journalist and Graduate Student at Clark University, USA.
Suzette Moses-Burton, Head of CRN Plus, a Caribbean network led by people living with HIV, says the strings attached to funding are hampering a comprehensive and representative response in the Caribbean.
The activist says “funders have asked the organization to change its leadership for the purse strings to be released.” However, Mrs. Moses-Burton is defiant. She says “people living with HIV have the right to self-governance…giving up the right to self-governance will open up a Pandora’s Box.”
She says as far as CRN plus is concerned “there is not much to celebrate. This once vibrant organization of PLW-HIV lays an organizational shamble. Its members worn because of the inability to access funding from the regional organizational mechanism.”
The experience of CRN Plus offers many lessons to the global youth movement geared at amplifying the perspectives of young people about HIV and AIDS. The movement is in danger of being co-opted and must avert such a path to ensure its potency.
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The Right to Live Positive! by rachelcharles on July 23, 2010, 4:48 am
People living with HIV (PLWHIV) deserve the right to health care, housing, employment and general human rights as they contribute to the well-being of the individual, partner, families and communities. “Let’s protect them and keep each other safe and stop being judgmental,” says Trey Alexander.
Alexander, who is from Chicago, USA, is about to celebrate his fourth year of good health since he has been diagnosed with HIV. Trey spends his days advocating for housing and medical care for PLWHIV in the state of New York. His story is one that touches the core yet he remains positive and optimistic about life and the daily challenges that he confronts. His advice to young persons living with HIV (YPLWHIV) is to find that support network and someone that you can confide in. It is necessary to have someone to listen to as you are able to let the pain out and get the burdens off your shoulder. Some days are sad as he wonders ‘why it’s so hard for PLWHIV to obtain financial resources?’ He remains hopeful and moves forward positively.
Although stigma exists around the globe most people in the Caribbean have been very unwelcoming to the HIV/AIDS community. Living 12 years with HIV, David Soomari, says that the challenge of not being able to speak openly about who he is a problem that most YPLWHIV face. The fear is that people are still thinking that LWHIV is impossible as most people think that it is a death sentence. His story too is one that confirms the narrowmindedness of traditional thinkers. Nonetheless, Soomari encourages young people to take powerful leadership roles in the fight against HIV/AIDS and he too remains a champion.
Policies are changing daily and everyone deserves the right to live positive. The UNAIDS is committed to supporting people living with and affected by HIV and promotes the concept of Positive Health, Dignity and Prevention.’
HIV/AIDS does not choose its victim so why choose to discriminate?
Let’s allow people to live positive, regardless of their status.
Youth Journalist - Rachel-Ann Charles (Trinidad and Tobago)
Right Here, Right Now!
Vienna, Austria
July 23, 2010.
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ART Treatment Delayed, Deferred and Denied….Why quit when things were just taking OFF? by 876 on July 22, 2010, 2:43 pm
ART Treatment Delayed, Deferred and Denied….Why quit when things were just taking OFF?
By Tyrone Hall, a Vienna Youth Force Youth Journalist and Graduate Student at Clark University, USA.
Access to treatment is one of the main issues being discussed at the AIDS 2010 Conference here in Vienna, Austria. Access to treatment continues to be an issue because treatment has been “delayed, deferred and denied” in many places around the world. This is problematic because the introduction of ART treatment in resource poor countries is a proven tool which has dramatically improved millions of lives and communities.
To capitalize on the progress made to date, particularly among the youth, greater resources must be put towards the global fight against HIV and AIDS. Otherwise, our collective failure will have dire consequences.
Here are ten consequences of delaying, deferring or denying AIDS Treatment according to MEDCINS SANS FRONTIERES:
1.Limiting Treatment Slots Means Choosing Who Lives and Who Dies.
2.Delaying or Deferring Treatment Leads to Transmission, Illness and Death.
3.Failing to Ensure a Stable Drug Supply Means Viral Load Shoots Through the Roof.
4.Breaking the Promise of ART Means People Won’t Come Forward to Get Tested
5.Slowing AIDS Efforts Means Kids With AIDS Become Even More of an Afterthought.
6.Limiting the Number of Facilities Offering ART Means it’s Harder to reach People in urgent Need.
7.Slowing Down the Integration of HIV and TB Care Means Patients Will Slip Through the Cracks.
8.Choosing Between Maternal &Child Health or AIDS Means Making a Fatal Choice.
9.Continuing to Use Drugs With Side Effects Means Relegating Patients to Second-Class Care.
10. Cutting Back on Funding for Treatment Means Sacrificing Long-term Survival.
By the year 2030, a half century after HIV was detected, more than 55 million people will be in need of ART. The world MUST NOT fail them and it must not break its promise to them. This is a global emergency and it requires a concerted global emergency response now more than ever! The world must keep its four year old promise to provide support to put all infected people on treatment.
This simply isn’t the time to question the affordability of universal access. No amount of money will ever be too much to stop two million people from dyeing each year… They have the right to life, do not defer the promise, the dream.
“What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?”
[Dream Deferred is by Langston Hughes]
Let us not even wait to see what will happen if and when the promise of universal access is deffered , delayed or denied, the consequences are clear…let us avert them NOW!!!
Why quit when things were just taking OFF?
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Photos - AIDS 2010 VYF by rachelcharles on July 22, 2010, 12:52 pm
Check out this link to see various highlights of the AIDS 2010 Pre Conference and Conference...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/52370766@N08/show/
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Norway Princess visits YouthPavilion! by darzhanova on July 22, 2010, 10:37 am
By Aida Darzhanova
“I believe in young people. Involve them,” said her Royal Highness the Crown Princess of Norway Mette-Marit Tjessem on the opening ceremony of Youth Pavilion of YouthForce, July 19th, 2010.
She visited Youth Pavilion wearing t-shirt saying ‘Youth we can!’ and emphasizing that youth leadership is important aspect and there is no need more talk, but need of practical solutions, as get media attention for youth issues, constantly sponsor youth led initiatives.
“We need to solve that there are not enough opportunities for young people to be part of decision making. And we need to make it happen now!” said Mette-Marit, inspiring youth in the room especially by the last quote, which is the main motto of youth during the XVIII International AIDS Conference (IAC) 2010.
Youth Pavilion is the main networking space for young people at AIDS 2010. It is a space to host sessions, cultural performances, meetings and forums, showcase achievements of young people, facilitate networking opportunities, engage participants in dialogue and carry on the momentum from the Youth Pre-Conference.
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“Youth in Arab States” Exhibition by darzhanova on July 22, 2010, 10:23 am
By Aida Darzhanova & Davron Myrsagatov
The interactive exhibition named “Youth in Arab States: Changing the World for the Better” has been hosted by Y-PEER during the main conference.
It portrays young members of Y-PEER Network sharing stories from their own lives, obstacles they have had to overcome and how their work within their communities has inspired them to promote the well being of their peers. The focus of were to the countries in the Arab States region: Egypt, Lebanon, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen.
Those stories show the enormous potential of the Y-PEER network to initiate and lead the change that will de-stigmatize people currently living with HIV, and prevent further transmission of the virus.
This installment was part of a comprehensive multimedia advocacy and education project that captured the essence of members of the Y-PEER network and other young people trying to achieve the Millennium Development Goals in their countries.
Y-PEER members, Y-PEER Ambassadors, delegates of Vienna AIDS 2010 and fellow friends from youth partnering organizations, as well as United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) staff members participated in the opening reception. UNFPA Deputy Executive Director, Ms. Purnima Mane, stated in her opening remarks that young people will always be the priority of UNFPA in upcoming years, including meaningful youth participation in design, implementation and monitoring tools. “We tend not to share our personal stories in order not to attract attention and publicity, but I think it’s great that this photo exhibition actually puts faces behind those we serve and this exhibition great reminder for us to continue what we do”.
Last, but not least, Y-PEER Ambassadors (Dani of Macedonia, Garbys of Tunisia and Ani Stanic of Serbia) surprised everyone by performing a song together, which made the evening feel even more special.
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Involve young people! Now make it happen! by darzhanova on July 22, 2010, 10:02 am
By Aida Darzhanova
“Involve young people! Now make it happen!” the main slogan of youth at International AIDS Conference 2010 (IAC) and by which the Vienna YouthForce Pre-conference was opened July 14th, 2010 in Vienna, Austria.
In the opening ceremony Acting Executive Director of International AIDS Society (IAS) and co-chair of the IAC 2010, Mats Ahnlund highlighted that youth should actively be involved during the conference and get an opportunity make adults articulate their commitments to youth.
The four-days youth pre-conference consists of informative sessions and skill-building workshops on HIV and AIDS issues, to be able to prepare youth leaders to effectively participate in the IAC 2010, and to empower them through information, advocacy, and relationship-building to be advocates for youth at the main conference. A further goal is to enable these young people from around the world to work effectively in their home countries and internationally for an end to HIV and AIDS.
This year more than 300 young people from 95 states got chance to attend the Vienna YouthForce Pre-conference organized by 10 youth-led international organizations.
After just one day of the pre-conference 17 sessions were held on various issues. YouthPavilion Sub-Committee and Y-PEER, Education Youth Network member Ana Susarenco says that preparation for the up-coming main conference and YouthPavilion will gather a lot of VIPs and decision makers in the AIDS field. “Mette-Marit, the Crown Princess of Norway, Jan Beagle, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, and many others going to come and will discuss how they will be able to work in partnership with youth on commitment desk,”says Susarenco.
Some sessions such as “Share your knowledge” could have benefitted from being more multilingual, as well as short movies in different workshops were not played because of technical problems says the organizers of the conference.
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Accelerating the progress in the Response to HIVis impossible when women are invisble in decsion making by UKWO on July 21, 2010, 9:57 am
The United Nation for development Fund for Women UNIFEM Orgainsaed the sesssion.
Through our work on the ground we have repeatedly heard the voice of women as they provide concrete example of what can work on the ground in preventing or reducing the epidemic. but thes voice are missing in policy reponse said Ines Alberdi, excutive Director, UNIFEM. This report highlights the importance of effective participation or women especially HIV-postive women in being part of the solution and infinding sustainable effective strategies to address HIV and AIDS.
Almost half of the 31.3 million HIV adult in the world are women, but the propotion of the women living with HIV is increasing. Nearly 60 percent of adult living with HIV in sub saharan africa are women, while in the caribean HIV Prevalence rate among women have increased from 46 percent in 2001 to 53 percent in 2008, making it the second most affected region after sub saharan africa. About 40 percent newly reported HIV cases in Eastern Europe and central Asia in 2006 were women.
Inspite of this rising trend and women often being at the frontline of the epidermic and amongst those who are affeced, several factors restrict women engagement in finding solution to the pandemic. According to the UNIFEM report, 79 percent of the interviewee cited gender norms as the main factors that limited their full participation in agenda - setting bodies such as the Fund for Malaria, TB and AIDS. other factors include; stigma 58% lack of acess to information 48% the burden of care giver and women mutilple responsiblities in the home 46% and ililteracy 46%.
specific recommendationin
1. recongize affected women , such as HIV- postive women, home based caregivers and young women as key stalkholder in the AIDS response and reserve formal place for their full participation and leadership in decision making boodies such as on the country coordinating mechanisms of the global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria.
2.Monitor the full and active particiption of people living with HIV , vunarable groups most affected communities in the HIV and AIDS response with special attention to women living with and affected by HIV
3. Ensure democratic and transparent process fo selecting civil society representation by providing support for consultation and collaboration and invest in organisation and initative led by HIV- Postive women especially for the community based ones
Thanks
Joy
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UNAIDS LEAD A HIGH LEVEL COMMISSION TO BRING ABOUT PREVENTION REVOLUTION by UKWO on July 21, 2010, 5:56 am
The UNAIDS lunch today a new UNAIDS high level commission on HIV prevention, which include more than 15 world renowned leaders. commissioners will use their unique authority and influence to leads a social and political action campaign over the coming years aimed at the galvaniizing support fo effective HIV prevention programmes.
the member of the commision are ;
Dr. Michelle Bachelet, former president of chile
Mr. Jacques Chirac, Former president of France
Ms Vuyiseka Dubula, Secretary - General of the treatment action campaign
Dr Mohammed Elbaradei, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate,
Ms Elena Franchuk, Ukaranin Bussines women and founder of the Elena Franchuk ANTIAIDS Foundation
Mr Pau Gasol, Spanish professional basketball star
Mr Nizan Guanaes, Learning Braxillian communication enterpretuer, chairman of grupo ABC de comunicacao
Mr Chris Hughes, Executive Director OF Jumo, international co Founder of facebook.
As you can see there are no young person on that commission , it was rise during the session and they promised to look into it.
Thanks
Joy - Nigeria
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I am crying... by MereteTschokert on July 21, 2010, 5:47 am
I am crying, because I was touched of the 15,000 people, who stood up for Human Rights and HIV/AIDS.
I am crying, because a lot of people stayed at home and do not care about people that are discriminated.
I am crying, because I was so happy seeing that the religions of the world made together a red ribbon.
I am crying, because I was happy about the attendance from some famous and important people.
I am crying, because most of the important people did not show up.
I am crying, because so many people on the stage mentioned the youth.
I am crying, because the people, who booed the health minister, have a reason for doing so.
I am crying, because I am touched from the videos of the sing campaign.
I am crying, because I hope that the world will
change.
I am crying, because the world has not changed so far.
But the people here give me hope.
Now make it happen!
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SANTA SOUTH AFRICA AND ORPHAN BRACELET CAMPAIGN PARTNERSHIP by olek on July 21, 2010, 5:25 am
INVITATION
SANTA SOUTH AFRICA AND ORPHAN BRACELET CAMPAIGN PARTNERSHIP
EMPOWERMENT AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CAMPAIGN LAUNCH
...
Date: Thursday, 22nd July
Time: 18h30 - 22h00
Venue: Hotel Steigenberger, Hofmannsthal Room, 1st Floor,
Herrengasse 10
Vienna
Dear Sir/Madam
We would appreciate your attendance at the launch of our Partnership Campaign to empower and develop communities within the rural parts of South Africa. The event takes place on Thursday, 22nd July 2010, and will be held during the XVII International Aids Conference 18 – 23 July, 2010 Vienna, Austria.
The campaign funds orphans who have lost their parents due to HIV/ Aids & Tuberculosis.
Your attendance will be appreciated therefore please RSVP to the following email address magongoam@santa.org.za; communications@santa.org.za. If you are unable to attend please forward this invitation to other interested parties which will support the Campaign.
Thanking you.
Ivan Anthony Cecillia Hogarth
Chairperson SANTA SA Board Member OBC
SANTA (South African National Tuberculosis Association)
TB is curable –On the Move against TB! Poverty is eradicated through Empowerment.
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HOW FAR WILL MTV GO TO STOP HIV/AIDS? by rachelcharles on July 20, 2010, 5:43 am
MTV is committed to alter young people’s thoughts, attitudes and behaviours about HIV/AIDS. It was announced today that there will be a part two of the television drama - Shuga. Shuga is a television production for young people, which aims to disseminate HIV prevention and education messages.
New research, revealed by MTV’s ‘Staying Alive Campaign,’ illustrates the positive impact on Shuga (part I) in Nairobi, Kenya. The campaign reached 64% of the Kenyan population and 80% of the viewers believed that this television-drama changed their thinking.
While MTV’s Ignite Campaign focuses on Kenya, due to its impact on the youth, there are possibilities for future productions in the Caribbean.
Tribes was aired in on World AIDS Day in December 2009 and is a drama set in Port of Spain. It aims to shine a spotlight on stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Unlike the Shuga production in Kenya, statistics from the John Hopkins research shows that only a mere eight percent of youth had viewed the Tribes television drama in Trinidad and Tobago, as an extremely small budget was awarded to this show. There was still a small impact among young persons in Trinidad and Tobago regarding their attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWA). Reports also illustrate that there was a decrease in intentional concurrent relationships.
For more information on Shuga and the associated MTV Staying Alive campaign, got to www.staying-alive.org/ignite.
Youth Journalist - Rachel-Ann Charles (Trinidad and Tobago)
Right Here, Right Now!
Vienna, Austria
July 20, 2010.
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“Keep in mind that every dollar we waste today puts a life at risk” - Former US President Bill Clinton speaks up at INTERNATIONAL AIDS CONFERENCE-2010 by aaysel on July 20, 2010, 4:39 am
On July 19th, 2010 the 42nd US President Bill Clinton delivered a keynote speech before the participants of the INTERNATIONAL AIDS CONFERENCE-2010.
Since 2001, President Clinton has dedicated himself to philanthropy and public service through the William J. Clinton Foundation, which seeks solutions to address the most pressing challenges worldwide. The Clinton HIV/ AIDS Initiative - the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) - addresses the limited access to HIV/AIDS treatment faced by developing countries, where more than 90 percent of individuals living with HIV/AIDS reside. In collaboration with governments and NGO partners, CHAI has expanded treatment access and thus, saved lives. Up to present, CHAI has helped more than two million people access the medicines needed for treatment, which represents nearly half of all the people living with HIV in developing countries.
“I think in too many countries too much money goes to pay for too many people to go to too many meetings, get on too many airplanes,” - started off his speech Clinton and called for more efficient use of funding in the fight against AIDS to ensure that people who need it actually get it. “Keep in mind that every dollar we waste today puts a life at risk,” he said and stressed the fact that unfortunately in some countries foreign aid for AIDS is misused.
As the result of fraud and corruption, the Global Fund to Fight HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria has suspended their funds in some countries. Among such countries are Uganda and Zambia.
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INTERNATIONAL AIDS CONFERENCE-2010: Day 1 World leaders and community talk AIDS by aaysel on July 20, 2010, 4:32 am
Around 20 000 people from around the world convened in Vienna, Austria for an International AIDS Conference to call the global leaders to commit at least $US20 billion to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
The opening ceremony, held on July 18th, 2010 was held with participation of political and NGO leaders, scientists and human rights activists. Among the prominent guest speakers were President of Austria, Dr. Heinz Fischer; UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe; famous singer and UNAIDS International Goodwill Ambassador Annie Lennox; South African Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe and others.
Opening the ceremony Dr. Brigitte Schmied, AIDS 2010 Local Co-Chair and President of the Austrian AIDS Society said the leaders of all nations need to fully commit to doing their part in combating HIV/AIDS: ““In the past five years, the coverage of HIV treatment in low- and middle-income countries has increased tenfold and now reach five million people. The Global Fund has a strong record of success that includes supporting 2.5 million people on treatment and an estimated 4.9 million lives saved”. According to her, Southern Africa remains the most heavily affected region globally. Further, she called everybody to sign Vienna Declaration - a global call for science-based drug policy: “AIDS is not only about science, but also about social justice. It’s important to drift patients, not prosecute them”.
In their turn community leaders Vladimir Zhovtyak, Director of all-Ukrainian network of PLWH and Sasha Volgina, Director of “Candle” community organization in Russia spoke on the situation in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. “We’re dying less, but we’re dying faster” – concluded Vladimir and underlined the region has the fastest rate of HIV growth.
Taking the floor, Austrian President Heinz Fischer and Minister of Health Alois Stöger welcomed delegates. Other speakers included European Union Commissioner of Health and Consumer Policy John Dalli and youth activist Rachel Arinii Judhistari from Indonesia.
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Tokenism, Youth and Human Rights by 876 on July 19, 2010, 6:01 pm
Tokenism, Youth and Human Rights
By Tyrone Hall
The involvement of young people in key policy making processes and programme development has been a central part of the discussions here in Vienna, Austria where a bi-annual AIDS Conference is being held. South Africa’s Deputy Health Minister noted that “reaching young people particularly those who live in rural areas has always been a challenge” for her government. However, it isn’t just a matter of representation that affects young people but the quality of such representation. Many young people who are drafted into policy circles tend to come from affluent segments of society-distant from the day to day concerns of the vast majority of youths who come from working class families.
This issue of representation is important as advancing the youth agenda cannot happen if tokenism remains the main means by which youth issues are dealt with. The youth agenda needs more than just voice because even with a voice a group may still be disempowered. The fact is that issues of power, equity, and gender are central to this discussion. For instance, Global Fund Executive Director, Michal Kazadchkina noted that a mere 48 of 140 countries have youth representatives. The problem here isn’t just that less than a third of all countries have youth representatives but who are these 48 representatives, how were they selected and how do we move to the point where youth leaders are transparently selected so that they reflect the varied perspectives and realities of the world’s youth?
People have a right to be involved in processes that will determine their lives particularly when it comes to issues such as HIV and AIDS. That involvement must be sustained and meaningful to have full effect. So, safeguarding the human rights of our youth must involve the meaningful and efficient involvement of young people at all levels.
Tyrone Hall is a Vienna Youth Force Youth Journalist and graduate student at Clark University,
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What you should do, if you come to the Global Village in Vienna by MereteTschokert on July 19, 2010, 12:19 pm
If you come to the Global Village in Vienna there are a lot of things you should try to do. Here are the things you have to do:
1. Wear funny hats.
2. Visit the 1st International HIV/AIDS Cartoon Exhibition.
3. Get nice T-Shirts.
4. Play the game “How many condoms can you get in 10 minutes?”.
5. Dance4Life.
6. Watch a movie and eat popcorn.
7. Make a brooch out of a condom.
8. Play billiards.
9. Make balloon figures.
10. Talk to different people and share your opinions.
Have fun at the Global Village at the International AIDS Conference 2010!
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GATE OUTLINE TO REDUCE ROADMAP TO REDUCE NEW INFECTION by UKWO on July 19, 2010, 9:58 am
Speaking at the XVIII International AIDS conference, Bill Gates called in all countries to keep up the fight agaist HIV/AIDS, saying the world has an historic opportunity to 'change the face of AIDS.' Mr.Gates said current effort in the AIDS response has given brith to global impact were millions of live are reach but there is a need to renewed focus on reducing anual new HIV infection up to 90% by 2031, this year will make it 50 years of HIV Epidemic. Mr.Gates outlined key opportunities for AIDS investment to be more cost effective and have greater impact. Those are:
1. Rapid scale up of the most cost effective prevention tools;
2. Better use of data to make prevention decision;
3. Reduction in the cost of delivering treatment;
4. Greater investment in vaccine and other breakthrough tools;
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Improving Youth Rights through Social Security by 876 on July 19, 2010, 7:23 am
Improving Youth Rights Through Social Security
By Tyrone Hall
The global response to HIV and AIDS has been limited partly because powerful underlying factors impinge the efforts being made to combat the disease. In particular, strong social protection measures are largely absent in the most affected areas. Stronger social protection measures, especially for youths, are needed to complement the fight against the disease because its absence increases a community’s HIV risk and undermines their ability to adhere to treatment.
Food security, for instance, threatens billions of individuals and households in all of the hyper-endemic countries causing worsening nutritional levels and increased hunger. Studies conducted in Zambia indicate that food security boosts adherence to treatment. It is important to consider variables such as social protection when discussing the response to HIV and AIDS because it is a systemic problem that needs a multi-pronged response.
Income inequality is worst in the most affected countries; UNDP figures suggests that he gini co-efficient is 50 and above in each of the most affected countries. Young people are particularly affected because the hyper-endemic countries tend to have very young populations with a low life expectancy and unemployment/underemployment is most acute among young people. Some responses that have been highlighted at the AIDS 2010 Conference here in Vienna are child support grants, cash transfers to households living in extreme poverty and old age pensions, studies say the latter often benefit the entire family.
Strong social protection measures strengthen livelihoods, improve rights and increase equality for those affected by HIV and AIDS. These measures are needed to help advance the gains made in reversing the prevalence of HIV and AIDS among young people in the worst affected countries.
Strengthened social protection measures will help safeguard our right to life!
Tyrone Hall is a Vienna Youth Force Youth Journalist and a graduate student at Clark University, U.S.A.
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Slideshow from the AIDS Youth Pre-Conference 2010! by MereteTschokert on July 18, 2010, 9:48 pm
Watch the photos from the Youth Pre-Conference:
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BREAKING NEWS!!! VYF 1st Newsletter. by olek on July 16, 2010, 9:11 am
http://events.tigweb.org/aids2010/docs/1981/PDF1stNewsletter.pdf
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AIDS 2010 Pre-Conference: Advocating for Change: Creative Communication - Rishita Nandagiri by rachelcharles on July 16, 2010, 3:39 am
Let's Adovocate for Harm Reduction, Human Rights and Health Resources... Right here at the AIDS 2010 Conference, Vienna, Austria!
Rishita Nadagiri shared the importance of creative communication in advocating for change...
Let's take a look
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgorproZO-Y
For those of you who missed this session... head on over to the Global Village where you can be taught how to advocate for Change.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1p-hV4vt8yM
Right Here, Right Now!
AIDS 2010 Conference - Vienna, Austria
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Reducing drug related harm for young people! by olek on July 14, 2010, 11:35 am
Today young people representing organizations concerned about Drug Policies from all around the world gathered at the Vienna Youth Force Pre-Conference to speak about Harm Reduction.
"Methadone” "Substitution methods” "needle exchange” "information and education” were some of the answers to the question: "what comes to your mind when you hear "Harm Reduction”?
Members from Youth Rise organization made an impressive analogy by asking to the delegates: What is the best thing to do when you discover that you are riding a dead horse?
Would you arrange a visit to other site to see how they ride dead horses?
Train people to improve the horse's performance?
Increase funding to improve the horse's performance?
Hire a consultant to show you how to ride dead horses?
According to Adeolu Ogunrombi, an international working group member from the organization: Most of our policies are not walking, they are not producing the results. People keep investing in something that is not walking. And the answer to this is: Dismount and look for another horse!
To find the "right horse” Youth Rise promotes to:
-Consult with users when developing the model for service- including YOUTH!
-Make contact with drug users in their usual surroundings
-Provide education about risk reduction and provide needle exchange.
-Implementation of laws proof based:The Opioid Substitution Methode reduces mortality, improves physical and mental health, reduces criminality, improves employment status and stabilises the lives of drug users.
Http://www.youthrise.org
info@youthrise.org
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Youth AIDS 2010 Song by Alexander Pohoralek by Liamjod on July 13, 2010, 11:52 am
Check out the Youth AIDS 2010 Song by Alexander Pohoralek! He will also perform this song at the Youth Pavilion Opening Ceremony and at Dance the Ribbon !
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You better start moving it because everybody is going to be dancing it at the Youth Pavilion! :) See you in Vienna! by olek on July 12, 2010, 12:54 am
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Make It Happen by Liamjod on July 2, 2010, 5:04 pm
The Vienna Youthforce campaign will focus on three points to help create a better world: Human Rights,Harm Reduction and Health Resources. Let's Make it Happen!
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OPEN DAY AT THE YOUTH PRE-CONFERENCE! by olek on June 23, 2010, 11:42 am
The Vienna YouthForce and the AIDS 2010 Youth Programme are organizing a Pre-Conference for young people from 14 -16 July 2010. The Pre-Conference is open for AIDS 2010 youth delegates from 16-26 years old and will consist of informative sessions and skills-building workshops on HIV and AIDS issues ranging from scientific knowledge to effective political advocacy.
The registration period for the Pre-Conference is already over and participants have been already selected but there is still a chance to take a glance!
HOW?
On 16 July (from 9 a.m.), people who will attend AIDS 2010 or affiliated events, will have the chance to participate in the activities regardless of age or affiliation. Delegates can observe and participate in the sessions and workshops that reflect the activities that young researchers, young activists and young politicians are undertaking in the global response to the HIV pandemic.
The Pre-Conference will take place at the Medical University of Vienna located at the Vienna General Hospital, 7th floor (AKH der Stadt Wien):
Spitalgasse 23, A-1090, Vienna.
Metro: U 6 Michelbeuern.
If you want to join us or have questions please contact vyfpreconf@gmail.com or vyfsessions@gmail.com
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