24 May EGPAF Communications and Advocacy Community of Practice (COP) Conference 2024
Africa REACH attended the EGPAF Communications and Advocacy Community of Practice (COP) conference held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, from 14-16 May 2024. This annual event, organised by the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF), focuses on enhancing communication and advocacy efforts across various levels: globally, regionally, and nationally. The conference is a key platform for professionals in these fields to reflect, learn, and innovate, ultimately fostering more efficient ways of working towards shared goals.
What was the Objective of the Conference?
The primary objective of the conference was to strengthen the capacity of participants to engage in effective advocacy and strategic communications that can drive lasting change. With a theme of “Re-tooling for Lasting Change,” the conference aimed to enhance technical understanding among participants, especially regarding collaboration with key decision-makers like parliamentarians.
What were some of the key take-aways?
Several key takeaways emerged from the conference:
- Strengthening Advocacy and Communication Skills: Participants gained deeper insights into how to engage with policymakers and leverage strategic communication to influence decision-making processes effectively.
- Role of Parliamentarians: The presence of Hon. Daniel Molokele, a Zimbabwean Member of Parliament, and Paidamoyo Magaya from the Global TB Caucus highlighted the vital role that parliamentarians play in amplifying advocacy efforts. Their contributions emphasised the need for champions within legislative bodies to advocate for TB and HIV initiatives.
- Collaboration and Networking: The conference provided many opportunities for attendees to network, share experiences, and develop collaborative strategies. This interaction is important for fostering a united front in advocacy and communication efforts.
- Branding and Marketing: Intensive sessions on branding and marking policies ensured that everyone was well-versed in visual and branding guidelines, promoting a unified and professional image across all communications.
Who attended the Conference?
The conference was attended by a diverse group of professionals involved in advocacy and communications from EGPAF and Africa REACH. Notable attendees included Hon. Daniel Molokele, Zimbabwean Member of Parliament, and Paidamoyo Magaya, Anglophone Africa Regional Manager from the Global TB Caucus. Their participation highlighted the importance of involving policymakers in advocacy efforts to drive meaningful change.
Next steps…
Following the conference, the next steps involve:
- Implementation of Learnings: Participants will implement the new strategies and insights gained during the conference to enhance their advocacy and communication efforts.
- Strengthening Partnerships: Continued collaboration with parliamentarians and other key stakeholders will be prioritised to ensure sustained advocacy for paediatric and adolescent HIV initiatives.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation of the new approaches will be conducted to measure their impact and effectiveness, ensuring that adjustments can be made as needed to achieve the desired outcomes.
- Ongoing Training and Capacity Building: Africa REACH and EGPAF will continue to invest in the training and capacity building to maintain momentum and adapt to evolving advocacy and communication landscapes.
Building on the outcomes of this conference, Africa REACH and its partners are well-positioned to drive forward their mission of combating paediatric AIDS and enhancing the health and well-being of children across Africa.