Right now HIV epidemics among MSM are unfolding in every major city in the global south, while infection rates are rising in the global north. MSM are 19 times more likely to be infected with HIV in low and middle income countries around the world and only 1 in 5 have access to the HIV prevention, care and treatment services they need. Recognizing the need for a coordinated international response to this crisis, a group of organizations from around the world launched the Global Forum on MSM & HIV during the XVI International AIDS Conference held in Toronto, Canada in August 2006.
The mission of the MSMGF is to advocate for equitable access to effective HIV prevention, care, and treatment services tailored to the needs of gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM), while promoting their health and human rights worldwide. The work of the MSMGF is organized around five main goals: 1) increased investment in effective HIV prevention, care, treatment and support programs for MSM; 2) expanded coverage of quality HIV-related services for MSM; 3) increased knowledge on MSM and HIV through the promotion of research and its broad-based dissemination; 4) decreased stigma, discrimination, and violence against MSM; and 5) strengthened regional, sub-regional, and national networks of MSM around the world linked to an organizationally robust MSMGF.
The only global HIV/AIDS advocacy network specifically focused on the prevention, care and treatment needs of MSM, the MSMGF, together with its principal strategic partners, is uniquely positioned to make significant structural-level contributions in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Specifically, the MSMGF aims to: 1) support strategy development and create advocacy / educational tools that could better equip policy-makers, funders, and practitioners in their work to expand access to services worldwide for MSM; 2) develop and maintain a multi-lingual and practical online clearinghouse of MSM and HIV/AIDS related resources; and 3) regularly convene global MSM advocates, practitioners, funders, and government officials for greater advocacy coordination, information exchange and networking.
MSMGF Fact Sheet: English, French, Spanish
Three Year Strategic Work Plan, 2009 – 2011 (pdf)
The composition of the MSMGF steering committee is a reflection of its commitment to uphold a global perspective on MSM and HIV issues, with delegates from Australia, Cameroon, Canada, China, Dominican Republic, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Morocco, Nicaragua, Romania, South Africa, Thailand, Uganda, the UK, the US, and Zimbabwe actively involved. The MSMGF is directed by Dr. George Ayala who serves as the group’s Executive Officer.
In addition to the Steering Committee, much of the fuel and operations support needed to maintain the work of MSMGF is provided by an array of organizations working toward our common goal.
The MSMGF Secretariat is currently housed at AIDS Project Los Angeles and is staffed by members of APLA’s International Division. The Secretariat has been responsible for the MSMGF’s communications, event coordination, web-activities, and various special projects as need arises.