In order to keep us on track to end AIDS by 2030, it is critical that we direct support and services for HIV key populations wherever they are. In the global HIV response, there has long been a recognition of the key populations most affected by HIV and resources have increasingly been directed to provide services and support for them. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, the Robert Carr Network Fund and the upcoming US Government Key Populations Fund are three key institutions providing essential funding for key populations.

However, there are still gaps we must address in resource and where that resource is targeted if we are to end the AIDS and TB epidemics globally. For example, many G20 countries have significant key population epidemics in HIV, yet the governments are not responding adequately and external donors long ago stopped supporting responses in these countries because of restrictive eligibility criteria overly based on gross national income. These criteria are also leading donors decide to exit from middle-income countries once they reach upper-middle-income status rather than when the epidemics are under control. Donor exits have historically been hasty and with poor planning and have undermined sustainability of services for key populations. For example, many case studies, particularly from the EECA region, show that national governments do not automatically take over HIV services for key populations when donors exit and has contributed to a resurgence of new HIV infections. Globally we re-evaluating on what basis transitions should happen and trying to learn quickly what makes an effective transition that sustains support for key populations. This session seeks to explore a) what progress we have made to address key populations epidemics in HIV, b) what gaps still exist and c) what changes might be necessary ensure we finally reach and support key populations where ever they are.

Speakers:

• Mike Podmore, Executive Director, STOPAIDS, UK

• Stephen Doughty MP, Chair of the UK All Party-Parliamentay Group on HIV/AIDS, UK - Towards a sustainable response for key populations

• Rico Gustav, Senior Policy Advisor - Sustainability, International Civi Society Support, The Netherlands - Key Populations: Lost in Transition

• Ambassador Birx, Coordinator of the US Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS and U.S. Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy, US Department of State, US - Title TB

• KateThomson, Head of Community Rights and Gender Team, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS TB and malaria, Switzerland - Title TB

• Maria Phelan, Portfolio Manager, Robert Carr Network Fund, The Netherlands - Title TBC