Background on M-Coalition

Johnny TOHMEIAC Melbourne

July, 2014

HOW’S IT LIKE IN MENA An epidemiological vulnerability + + + of MSM in the

region ... prevalence of 4% to 28% in a low prevalence setting among general population(less than 1%)

But ... Very limited access to prevention and care ...

Because ... MSM in the region combine the statutory deficit: S & D

+ + +, violence, rejection, barriers to care, self-stigma, self-exclusion, ...

Very little research to document needs / realities of MSM

insufficient funds

SOLUTION Recall the link between statutory deficits and immune deficiency Change the look on MSM and strengthen the will to act

internally in associations Enhance the quality / continuity programs emphasizing the need

to enroll in a combined prevention approach that enhances both the knowledge, will and power to protect

Strengthen the knowledge of society actors to plead for better access to a combined MSM/HIV prevention

Show that it is possible to facilitate the access of MSM in combination prevention in hostile environments

Promote networking between LGBT associations HR and associations fighting against HIV

AALI SOUTAK Practical manual to assist civil society and HR defenders in the

fight against AIDS in Francophone countries of North Africa and the Middle East

Designed by MSM GF 2011

Adapted by ALCS (Morocco) through a participatory process in connection with seven other associations, ANISS, APCS (Algeria), Marsa, Helem, OSE (Lebanon), SOS peer educators (Mauritania) and ATL (Tunisia)

3 chapters and an appendix Methodological hints to learn how to advocate for access to a combined MSM HIV prevention

5 factsheets detailing how to raise funds, encourage search, improve the quality of action, fighting against the S & D and secure interventions with MSM

Educational benchmarks to facilitate adaptation, organization and facilitation of training sessions from the contents of Sections A & B

resource materials and websites for more information on the topics covered in the manual

Introducing Aali Soutak at the pre-conference MSM GF 2012. Introducing Aali Soutak in MENA, Global Village, Washington DC IAC

2012. Plenary presentation with teams from other countries at the IAS

Conference Washington DC (July 2012) Introducing Aali Soutak at the MSMGF NWZ, Washington DC (July 2012)

LOGIC BEHIND M-COALITION3 main activities have emerged from this last initiative:

Advocacy to promote research among MSM Promoting to train media and legal agents Encourage networking between organizations and

activists

"We all do a great job of advocacy now, but we are isolated. Why can not we work together more closely? We have the same context, we can share the lessons we can cooperate in research, and we can work on advocacy. Together we will be stronger and more visible at regional and international levels"

CREATING THE COALITION Over a period of one year, we remained in touch, we

met, we Skyped, we called and finally wrote the

proposal

Beirut was chosen to be the hosting city to ensure the

ease of work and the slightly higher level of sexual

freedoms in the region

THANK YOU