SHARP Note: April 2008

The OSI Sexual Health and Rights Project (SHARP) periodically distributes information on key sexual health and rights advocacy issues, events, and grant opportunities as they arise. Subscribe to receive updates by e-mail.

Topics

SHARP Activities
Endorsements and Sign-Ons
Awards and Fellowships
Call for Proposals
International AIDS Conference Satellite Update

SHARP Activities

Groups Meet to Improve Access to Health and Human Rights for East African Sex Workers
In late March, health and human rights groups from across Kenya and Uganda held a three-day workshop addressing the health risks and abuses faced by sex workers in the region. The meeting brought 35 activists and experts from allied groups to Kenya to discuss an evidence-based approach to health and human rights. The meeting was organized by Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA) in partnership with SHARP and the Open Society Initiative for East Africa (OSIEA). Read the press release about this workshop.

Groups Meet to Discuss Research and Advocacy on MSM and HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa
SHARP is collaborating with the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA), Johns Hopkins Center for Public Health and Human Rights (CPHHR) and local partners on a small HIV prevalence study targeting men who have sex with men (MSM) in Botswana, South Africa, Namibia and Malawi. The purpose of the study is to highlight the lack of epidemiological data and the need for expanded and appropriate HIV prevention, treatment and care resources for MSM in Southern Africa, and to provide support for local LGBTI groups to address legal and policy problems that impede MSM from accessing health and social care services and needed funding.

On April 11-12, 2008, SHARP and OSISA will host a meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, with CPHHR and the local research partners involved in this study. The meeting will be an opportunity to strategize on an advocacy plan once the findings are ready for dissemination.

Endorsements and Sign-ons

Human Rights and HIV/AIDS: Mow More Than Ever
Now more than ever, law and human rights should occupy the center of the global HIV/AIDS struggle. OSI's Law and Health Initiative presents 10 reasons why in a newly printed booklet. You can download the booklet in nine languages here.

Please take 5 minutes to submit your organization's endorsement of the Now More Than Ever declaration. Join the rapidly growing number of organizations from countries around the world that have endorsed the declaration by following the easy steps at http://www.soros.org/endorsehumanrights.

International Sex Worker Harm Reduction Caucus Statement
For the second year, sex workers and sex worker rights advocates will be participating in the International Harm Reduction Association's annual international conference. In preparation, the International Sex Worker Harm Reduction Caucus has prepared a statement outlining its key messages for the conference. The statement can be read at http://www.soros.org/initiatives/health/focus/ihrd/events/ihra_20080511/view

Awards and Fellowships

The Open Society Fellowship
OSI is pleased to announce the launch of the Open Society Fellowship. The Fellowship will enable outstanding individuals from around the world—journalists, activists, academics, practitioners—to work on projects that inspire meaningful public debate, shape policy, and inform the thinking and activities of the Open Society Institute and the Soros foundations. For more information, please visit http://www.soros.org/initiatives/fellowship

Photoshare's Third Annual Development Photography Award
Photoshare is pleased to support the advancement of digital camera technologies in developing countries through its 3rd Annual Development Photography Award, awarded exclusively to a photographer from a developing country/emerging economy, sponsored by The INFO Project based at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Communication Programs. For more information, visit http://www.photoshare.org/award/08award.php

Call for Proposals

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Call for Proposals
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is now accepting grant proposals for the first round of Grand Challenges Explorations, a US$100 million initiative to encourage bold and unconventional global health solutions. Proposals will be accepted online at www.gcgh.org/explorations through May 30, 2008; applicants must register their intent to submit a proposal by May 15, 2008.

International AIDS Conference Satellite Update

International AIDS Conference Satellite Meeting
The Global Forum on MSM and HIV will be holding a pre- International AIDS Conference satellite meeting in Mexico City from August 1 -2, 2008 at the Maria Isabella Sheraton Hotel. The program's title is: "The Invisible Men: Gay Men and other MSM in the Global HIV/AIDS Epidemic." The focus of the satellite will be on how the dearth of social science, epidemiologic, and intervention research drives gaps in access to HIV prevention, care and treatment for MSM around the world. Limited scholarships will be available. For more information about the satellite, contact Jack Beck at jbeck@apla.org.