by Kenneth Poon
Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS) and MEPA (Meaningful Engagement of People Living with HIV/AIDS) are global principles that affirm the leadership, expertise, and lived experience of people living with HIV (PHAs). They call on organizations, governments, and communities to ensure that PHAs are not only included but meaningfully engaged in all decisions, programs, and policies that affect their lives.
At their core, GIPA and MEPA recognize that PHAs bring essential knowledge, insight, and leadership to the HIV response. Engagement must be respectful, equitable, and free from tokenism.
A Brief History of GIPA & MEPA
The movement for PHA leadership has deep roots in HIV activism:
- 1983 – Denver Principles: PHAs asserted their rights, dignity, and leadership in shaping the HIV response.
- 1989 – Montreal Manifesto: Reinforced global calls for PHA involvement.
- 1994 – Paris Declaration: Governments formally endorsed GIPA as a global commitment.
- 2000s – MEPA emerges: PHAs and organizations shift language from “involvement” to “meaningful engagement” to address concerns about tokenism and ensure real decision‑making power.
In Ontario, these commitments are reflected in the Ontario Accord and the Living & Serving documents, which guide how organizations honour PHA leadership.
ACAS upholds GIPA/MEPA through the following commitments:
1. Leadership of People Living with HIV
PHAs are central to shaping programs, policies, and community responses. Their lived experience is recognized as expertise.
2. Meaningful Participation, Not Tokenism
Engagement must be intentional, supported, and valued. PHAs should have real influence in planning, decision‑making, and evaluation.
3. Equity, Inclusion, and Anti‑Oppression
GIPA/MEPA must address racism, stigma, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and other systemic barriers that affect PHAs’ ability to participate fully.
4. Capacity Building and Shared Learning
Organizations must invest in training, mentorship, and leadership development for PHAs.
5. Accountability and Transparency
Commitments to GIPA/MEPA must be visible, measurable, and embedded in organizational culture not just stated.
Why GIPA & MEPA Matter
Meaningful engagement strengthens individuals, organizations, and communities:
- PHAs gain confidence, skills, and a sense of empowerment.
- Programs become more responsive, relevant, and effective.
- Organizations build credibility and accountability.
- Communities benefit from reduced stigma and increased understanding.
GIPA/MEPA is not optional it is essential to ethical, community‑driven HIV work.
Living & Serving Principles
outline how organizations can honour PHA leadership in practical, everyday ways. These principles emphasize:
- Respecting the dignity, autonomy, and privacy of PHAs
- Creating safe, supportive environments for participation
- Ensuring PHAs have the tools, training, and resources to lead
- Embedding GIPA/MEPA into governance, staffing, volunteer roles, and program design
- Recognizing the diversity of PHA experiences, including race, gender, sexuality, age, and migration status
These commitments help ensure that PHA engagement is sustainable, equitable, and rooted in community values.
