Introduction
Simran Shaikh, Asia and the Pacific Delegate
The focus of 37th UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) Meeting was on the ambitious language of the UNAIDS Updated Strategy (2016-2021), which was adopted after a contentious discussion among PCB members about sexual and reproductive health rights, and after months of consultations and negotiations. Throughout the strategy process, the NGO Delegation pressed for language to reflect current realities for communities, including language
on gender equality, trade barriers, protective laws, youth leadership, and meaningful involvement of people living with HIV. At the PCB meeting, the NGO Delegation engaged in discussions and lobbying to ensure the inclusion of the language on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in the Strategy, as a key component of the HIV response. In line with this, the NGO Report of the Delegation, which we requested to be postponed and tabled for the 38th PCB, is focused on SRHR of key populations, including those living with HIV, within the framework of the right to development.