GNBPH’s Beginnings

GNBPH’s beginnings—an idea whose time is NOW!

During a community meeting in 2013 with a group of HIV service providers in the US, the idea emerged of creating a network to address the needs of black people working in HIV. After further discussion, the concept of a new forum to explore issues of concerns to black professionals working in HIV surfaced.  And given the reality that the greatest number of persons living with HIV around the globe are black people (of black African descent) it was agreed that an organization which seeks to bring together black persons, lay and professionals, working (paid and unpaid) in HIV would be uniquely positioned to address the needs of black people worldwide living with HIV, and/or at risk of infection.

Continued dialogue among Black people working in HIV, and additional outreach to affinity groups and likely Black Americans and Black Africans supporters began at two recent conferences (10/2014 and 11/2014):  one in the US—US Conference on AIDS sponsored by the National Minority AIDS Council; and one in South Africa—HIV Research for Prevention Conference sponsored by several organizations including Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise, AVAC, AmFAR and the Microbicides Trial Network.  Interest in membership was high and all who were approached expressed interest in and agreed to be listed as early “charter members” of the Global Network of Black People working in HIV.

GNBPH Charter Members have the same responsibilities as all members, with the additional responsibility of supporting outreach and membership recruitment activities, participating in organizational development conference calls and coordinating engagement at conferences, meetings and other global convenings.