Discrepency in distribution of NGO stalls at Barcelona; Asia-Pacific becomes looser

[Guest guest]

Dear Jordi Baroja, Coordinator of NGO village at Barecelona and other organisors of AIDS 2002,

This refers to the comprehensive report on NGO Village from the Media dept. of AIDS 2002 Conference. It is mentioned that, around 50 countries will be represented and the distribution of geographic areas is as follows:

- 14 from Asia/Pacific- 27 from Africa- 34 from Europe- 20 from North America- 20 from Latin America /Caribbean

There will also be the Spanish Village, Poble Espanyol, a unique and original space where all Spanish NGOs will be represented.

Table showing un-equitable distribution of NGO stalls at 14th Intl. AIDS Conference, Barcelona: Dr.Gilada

Region

Population

%of world

WHO: HIV Estimates

% of World HIV

NGO stalls allocated

% of stalls

Asia-Pacific

3630 mill.

63%

8.5 million

21%

14

11%

Africa

763 million

13.5%

29 million

72%

27

22%

Europe

728 million

12.5%

560,000

1.4%

34

25%

N. America

350 million

6%

940,000

2.3%

20

18%

Latin Amer.

282 million

5%

1820,000

4.3%

20

18%

5753 mill.

100%

40 million

115

What I noticed on analyses of 115 entities; who have been selected to receive NGO exhibit booths, is a gross anomaly. Asia/Pacific region; which inhabits over 63% of world's population has been given only 11% of NGO booths. This is a gross injustice on Asia/Pacific region in general and countries like India in particular. You will agree with me that even in gravity of the HIV epidemic Asia is next to Africa in prevalence, however higher than in Africa in incidence (fresh infections). On the contrary- Europe with about 12.5% of world population has been given 25% of NGO stalls (may be because the conference is in Europe); North America with less than 6% of population has been given 18% of stalls and Latin America with less than 5% population has got 18% of stalls( may be because it has Spanish speaking population). I have no comment on Africa, as it is fair share - 13.5% population with 22% stalls. But certainly other regions have been given definite priority over Asia-Pacific.

Even if you decide to equally distribute the NGO stalls among different geographical regions, then each region should get roughly 25% of stalls - Europe, Americas, Africa and Asia-Pacific. Poluplation-based distribution may not be feasible for you people. We are not aware of the criteria used in granting regional quota and subsequently selecting NGO stalls, but we urge that the stalls to go to 'Truly Non-Government/ Voluntary/ Community-Based Organisations and not Commercial Profit Making organisations or Statutory bodies like Universities, some of which may be from US and Europe but having operations in Asia and Africa. We were disappointed, when our application for NGO stall was rejected, but now we realised that it was an unfair and unequitable distribution of NGO stalls that may have affected our chances than anything else.

This is not a complaint, but I am pointing out the discrepency meted out the Asia-Pacific region more often and in all fairness I am raising this issue of step-motherly treatment for its timely resolution.

I know, it would be difficult to start the NGO stall allocation process afresh, but you could carve out some more stalls for Asia/Pacific and/or even block the stalls becoming available due to non-acceptance by the allotee NGOs, and distribute to NGOs in waiting list from Asia/Pacific, so that they will have the near-equitable chance to show their work and share experiences with other organizations working in the same field in true sense.

Thanking you.

Sincerely yours,

Dr.I.S.Gilada

People's Health Organisation (India)