IFMSA in AIDS2020: Sex-positivity in Public Health Strategies and Medical Consulting
Since 1992, IFMSA has been showing a strong will to take an active part in interventions concerning HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and to support people living with HIV and AIDS through working to decrease stigma and discrimination.
Learn more about IFMSA efforts to contribute to the HIV and AIDS response and our work presented in AIDS 2020 online conference.
1 – The HIV Education and Advocacy Training
As future health practitioners and current medical students, it is essential to understand the current SRHR challenges when it comes to HIV and AIDS across the globe and all IFMSA regions: from stigma & discrimination related issues to lack of basic medical knowledge. The HIV Education and Advocacy Training (HEAT) is the fruit of extensive work done by IFMSA members, that resulted in a 3-day cohesive learning experience that tackles the medical, social, and advocacy related aspects in order to get participants fully equipped to take part in the HIV and AIDS response. It provides facilitators with the resources, tools, and guidance to effectively facilitate the HEAT or shorter workshops related to HIV and AIDS.
As we believe in a holistic approach to SRHR, some of the sessions included in the agenda are:
- HIV and language
- Key populations
- How do stigma and discrimination affect HIV-related health?
- Legal barriers to access the HIV cascade: what needs to change
- Sex positivity in public health and medical consulting
- Integrated Community Approach to HIV response
2 – Policy and advocacy work:
Where do we stand? The IFMSA acknowledges the seriousness of the global HIV and AIDS pandemic and the necessity for a coordinated multisectoral response, in order to improve healthcare access and health outcomes of people living with HIV. The IFMSA believes that, in addition to medical, economical and logistical considerations, the response needs to adequately address sociocultural issues related to HIV, including discrimination and stigma. Moreover, the IFMSA has identified key populations, barriers, and measures to emphasize in order to work towards our common objective of eliminating HIV and AIDS in the foreseeable future.
Check our HIV and AIDS response full policy document and calls to action here.
3 – How do we structure our work? The Standing Committee on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights including HIV and AIDS
The Standing Committee on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights including HIV and AIDS is a gathering of passionate individuals who are committed to promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights and are arduous about creating positive change in their local communities.
It constitutes one out of the six Standing Committees of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Association which serve as the Body of all Medical Students worldwide. SCORA with a large number of members-SCORAngels as they are called has grown wide in its work, centered around five focus areas strongly related to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.
Vision
A world where every individual is empowered to exercise their sexual and reproductive health rights equally, free from stigma and discrimination.
Mission
To provide our members with the tools necessary to advocate for sexual and reproductive health and rights within their respective communities in a culturally respected fashion. This has been accomplished through building the skills and the knowledge about, providing trainings on Comprehensive Sexuality Education other respective reproductive health issues, exchanging ideas and projects, as well as drafting policies and working with our external partners in order to create change in local, regional and international level.
Should you want to learn more about our work, do not hesitate to contact [email protected]
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