The workshop attracted over 100 key stakeholders involved in HIV prevention and reduction. Amongst these were members of the judiciary, social workers, teachers, drug outreach workers, doctors, international NGOs, national government and civil society leaders.

Dr. AbdulHafiz Abudhair, Director of NCID, gave a welcome speech in which he emphasised the importance of tackling HIV/AIDS at the national level, through a national strategy. It was a sentiment echoed by UNDP Libya Resident Representative a.i., Ramanathan Balakrishnan, who said that “UNDP’s global experience and research has proven that national AIDS responses are most successful when they have moved beyond addressing HIV as only a health concern, and have involved a wider range of sectors and stakeholders.”

The event consequently offered stakeholders a briefing on the scope and nature of the HIV problem in Libya, focussing on salient issues such as enhancing the legal protection of those living with HIV, the role of NGOs in supporting national HIV/AIDS reduction efforts, and best practices for HIV reduction and prevention. Attendees were also inducted into the process of developing a comprehensive national strategy to address the HIV/AIDS issue in Libya.

The workshop ended on a poignant note, as two people living with HIV spoke frankly of their experiences and answered questions on the effect of persistent stigmatisation of those living with the virus.

NCID and UNDP Libya have enjoyed a long partnership on matters related to combating HIV/AIDS in the country. Recognising the need to plan interventions that tackle the medical, human rights, social and economic dimensions of the HIV issue in Libya, they are committed to working together on the development of a comprehensive national strategy for HIV/AIDS.

 
The national HIV/AIDS strategy is intended for the period 2010-2013, and it is anticipated that events such as January’s workshop will help garner essential multi-sectoral support for the ambitious initiative.