Ali Raza Khan Advocates for Key Populations at the Communities Delagation to the Global Fund Board’s Lusaka Agenda Discussion

The Communities Delegation to the Board of the Global Fund recently convened to discuss the Lusaka Agenda, a pivotal initiative aimed at enhancing the involvement and engagement of key populations in the fight against HIV, TB, and malaria. Among the passionate voices at this discussion was Ali Raza Khan, an HIV-positive activist from Pakistan. Ali’s contributions underscored the critical importance of including and empowering HIV key populations, particularly the gay and MSM (men who have sex with men) communities.

The Lusaka Agenda:

December 12, 2023 marked the launch of the Lusaka Agenda. It proposes an action plan for a shared, long-term vision of nationally-funded healthcare systems, as well as Universal Health Coverage (UHC) that leaves no one behind. To achieve these objectives, the Agenda proposes five major changes.

The Lusaka Agenda recommends five main changes:

1. Strengthen the contribution to primary health care (PHC) by effectively strengthening health systems: GHIs are expected to make a greater contribution to PHC by effectively strengthening health systems. The aim is to improve access to essential services, promote preventive measures and guarantee local care.

2. To act as a catalyst for national and sustainable financing of health services and public health functions: this can reinforce sustainability and reduce dependence on external sources of funding.

3. Strengthen joint approaches to achieving equity of health outcomes: ensuring that health services are distributed equitably and reach marginalized populations.

4. Ensure strategic and operational coherence: streamlining efforts and resources to achieve common health objectives.

5. Coordinate approaches to products, research and development (R&D), and regional manufacturing to address market and policy failures related to global health: encouraging innovation and progress in healthcare delivery.

The Lusaka Agenda & the Global Fund:

• The Lusaka Agenda focuses on strengthening the participation of key populations in Global Fund initiatives.
• It aims to ensure that the voices of those most affected by HIV, TB, and malaria are heard and considered in decision-making processes.

Ali Raza Khan’s Participation:

• Ali Raza Khan, a dedicated HIV-positive activist, played a significant role in the discussions.
• His extensive experience with the Communities Delegation to The Global Fund Board and his advocacy for the rights of people living with HIV made his insights invaluable.

Importance of Engaging Key Populations:

• Ali emphasized that involving key populations, including the gay and MSM communities, is essential for effective HIV prevention and treatment.
• He highlighted that these communities often face stigma and discrimination, which can hinder their access to healthcare and support services.

Issues and Challenges Discussed:

• Changing Power Dynamics:
  • Traditional Donors’ Control: There was a critical discussion on whether traditional donors are genuinely willing to relinquish control.
  • Recipient Countries’ Capacity: Concerns were raised about whether recipient countries have the financial and technical capacity to take the reins.
  • Dismantling Power Structures: The challenge of dismantling entrenched power structures within the global health financing architecture was acknowledged.
  • Incentives for Change: The need for concrete incentives to encourage a shift towards flexible, long-term financing models that prioritize national health plans over pre-established agendas was emphasized.
  • Strengthening Country Ownership: It was noted that strengthening country ownership depends on the strength of health systems in recipient countries. Global Health Initiatives (GHIs) must provide targeted capacity-building support to ensure recipient countries have the technical expertise and governance structures needed to lead their own health destinies.

Ali’s Message:

• Ali passionately advocated for the inclusion of key populations in all aspects of Global Fund initiatives response to Lausaka Agenda.
• He stressed that meaningful engagement goes beyond token representation; it requires active participation and leadership from within these communities that is why it is important to include and mention key populations including gays and HIv communities.
• Ali’s message was clear: “To combat HIV effectively, we must ensure that those most affected are at the forefront of our efforts by ensuring theri voices included.”
• He insisted on blatantly and categorically adding gays and other criminalized populations, as well as HIV communities, to the Lusaka Agenda through the platform of Communities Delegation the the board of the Global Fund. Ali highlighted that excluding these groups would severely undermine the effectiveness of the Global Health Initiatives like The Global Fund.
• Ali warned that countries that criminalize these populations might follow the Lusaka Agenda without genuinely including gays and HIV communities, leading to continued marginalization and inadequate support for those most in need.

Impact of the Discussion:

• The Lusaka Agenda discussion in the Global Fund and Communities Delegation provided a platform for key population representatives to share their experiences and challenges.
• Ali’s contributions helped to highlight the unique needs and perspectives of the gay and MSM communities that should be mentioned in Lausaka Agenda road map.
• The discussion reinforced the Communities Delegation commitment to equity and human rights, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against HIV, TB, and malaria.