Human Rights Messaging:

A milieu in which human rights are upheld and promoted also is one in which dignity of persons is ensured. This means that there are minimums expected of individuals, communities, societies, organizations and countries. One of them is the ability to produce and maintain health. Health is a fundamental driver of our overall quality of life. Healthcare – is one of the most important inputs to produce health. According to the Global Fund, Once the funding request has been approved, the grant agreement includes a clause specifically detailing five minimum human rights standards that countries are expected to meet: non-discriminatory access to services for all, including people in detention; employing only scientifically sound and approved medicines or medical practices; not employing methods that constitute torture or that are cruel, inhuman or degrading; respecting and protecting informed consent, confidentiality and the right to privacy concerning medical testing, treatment or health services rendered; avoiding medical detention and involuntary isolation, to be used only as a last resort. This should also mean that any individual or a group who has either personally experienced or witnessed a violation of one or more of these standards is empowered to report. It should be noted that groups such as younger people, girls and women can utilize this opportunity by all means as it increases visibility and documentation of abuses. These vulnerabilities are exacerbated by gender inequality and discrimination. Biomedical interventions such as access to ARVs or condoms for prevention, while urgent and necessary, will not reduce vulnerability to HIV by marginalized groups. Only structural transformations – social, political and cultural – will end the spread of HIV. This should include addressing the need to provide positive, accurate and complete information about sexuality and to include discussions about gender, relationships, and homosexuality. Access to information or services that make one enjoy a sense of freedom is paramount. Four Freedoms: Freedom of Speech and Religion, Freedom from Want and Fear. It should be clear where to send the report without fear of retributions (whistleblower protection). The report can be sent to any civil society organizations or an implementer of Global Fund grants can submit a confidential complaint to the Global Fund’s Office of the Inspector General. Reporting of this kind will promote a climate of accountability. It will in turn increase the number of people accessing ARVs. This may convince donors to continue funding HIV initiatives.