amfAR's MSM Initiative Seeks Proposals From Front-Line Groups Working on HIV in Developing...( Initial grants will support organiza...),Health

Initial grants will support organizations working on HIV prevention, care, and treatment among men who have sex with men in Africa, Southeast Asia,

and the Caribbean

NEW YORK, Oct. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, today announced that it is seeking proposals from front-line organizations and networks in Africa, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia working to address HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM). This request for proposals (RFP) marks the formal beginning of the Community Awards Program that is the cornerstone of a new MSM Initiative launched by amfAR at the International AIDS Society conference in Sydney in July 2007.

"This is a crucial first step in getting this important new program off the ground in some of the regions of the world where MSM are most vulnerable to HIV," said amfAR CEO Kevin Frost. "Through the MSM Initiative, we hope to foster collaboration among organizations, promote advocacy that transforms attitudes and discriminatory policies, and increase HIV/AIDS funding worldwide for MSM."

The MSM Initiative will provide small, targeted grants to grassroots groups in resource-limited countries that provide HIV services to MSM. The Initiative will also support networks working to address HIV among MSM; fund research to build understanding of HIV epidemics and interventions among MSM; and seek effective policies and increased public funding for HIV prevention and treatment efforts for MSM.

The initial round of funding focuses on supporting MSM groups in Africa, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. In keeping with amfAR's rigorous peer review process, funding decisions will be made by community-led peer review groups comprised of experts who are based in the specified geographical areas. Reviewers will give priority to existing community groups that possess the capacity and experience to properly use the funding to address specific HIV- related health a
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