Report (Part 2): Sustainable Development Convention 2002

People-Connector: HIV/AIDS

Time: 30 October 2002, 13:30-14:30 Location: C-3 Chair: Robert Sadleir; UNAIDS Presenters/ Participants: Jean Louis Lamboray; UNAIDS, Jaime Saborio; UNAIDS Bruno Oudet Reporter: Aida Nejad (ICVolunteers) Languages: English Key words: HIV/AIDS, network, computer, information technology, communication and dialogue

Mr. Lamboray opened the session with an introduction to the People-Connector project to be launched in May 2003 by UNAIDS. He said the term "gathering minds" could capture the spirit of the of the project equally as well as its current name. The project itself originates from the notion that combating HIV/AIDS is community driven rather than commodity driven, as illustrated by an example from Thailand. The use of information technology is a key means to influencing communities.

The people connector is a web-based platform which aims to facilitate communication between people working on HIV/AIDS in order to exchange knowledge. Participants can include HIV/AIDS workers as well as journalists, however, people interested in participating must be invited by the Advisory Committee, which serves as a control mechanism in order to guarantee trustworthiness. Individuals can also recommend persons or affiliate organizations to the advisory committee and membership is individual.

It is furthermore base on the idea that the use of information technology is a key means to influencing communities. The pilot languages will be English, French and Spanish but they are looking to expand the range of languages in the future in order to reach a wider audience.

The people-connector's main implementing partner at this time is Thailand.

Surprising Issues
A participant raised the issue of lack of access to computers/internet in developing countries, as well as poor internet connectivity and that the people-connector may not therefore be able to target the geographical areas most affected by HIV/AIDS. She also raised the fact that computers are very expensive and that more pressure must be put on computer companies in general to lower their prices.

Mr. Lamboray addressed some of the issues raised by the participants and replied that it is important to target at least the area that does have access to the internet and email, and increase coverance will eventually follow. Furthermore, printed media solutions may also solve initial problems with poor internet connectivity.

Interesting Questions
A participant asked whether the « people connector » would also co-ordinate with efforts of other networks and regional AIDS networks. Mr. Lamboray replied that there will be a hyperlink to link affiliate organizations and networks, but care will need to be taken in order to avoid duplication.

Mr. Sabario replied to one of the concerns of the participants with respect to the the problem of lack of confidentiality, saying that no programs are 100% secure but steps had been taken to protect confidentiality.

Conclusions
In conclusion, Mr. Sadleir said that "the people connector" was merely a medium to an end and not a solution to combating HIV/AIDS.