Action: Case Studies - Using the Law to Implement the Right to Health Deadline: October 15, 2005 The Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA) is pleased to invite colleagues to submit relevant case studies from different countries and regions in Africa that document attempts to use the law to push states to implement policies relating to the provision of HIV/AIDS and helath-related services. While HIV/AIDS is the focus of the project, case studies documenting attempts (successful or otherwise) in addressing other public health challenges are welcomed. Selected case studies will be presented at a panel discussion that will take place as part of the ICASA Conference to be held in Abuja, Nigeria from 4 - 9 December, 2005. OSISA will fund the registration, travel and expenses of all panellists selected to present their cases studies. The session entitled, "AIDS and the Law: From Rhetoric to Reality", will take place on Tuesday December 6, from 18:00 - 20:00 at the confenrece venue. Expanded versions of case studies selected will be developed as chapters for inclusion in a book on AIDS advocacy and the Law, to be published in late 2006. Guidelines for submission of case studies: All submissions must concentrate on an issue that demonstrates/highlights experiences of using legal mechanisms to lobby national, provincial or district governments to implement national policies that provide for treatment, care and support, access to medicines and/or lifesaving commodities such as condoms, and/or education and information. Key questions: Section A: - Region - Country - List of authors, affiliations, project partners, and other credits - Contact Information Section B: Submissions should consider the following: - What is the policy context in your country? Are there polices in place to extend access to health (including care and medicines) and/or education to the majority of the population? - Which policy(ies) in particular is concerning your organization? - What evidence exists that the government is unable to implement the policies it has passed? - Are there particular groups that are adversely affected by the failure to implement the policy you are concerned about? - What non-legal advocacy efforts have been utilized by civil society organisations to push the government to implement the policies it has passed? - Describe your legal advocacy campaign/approach - Describe the challenges and opportunities your group faced in carrying out the campaign/initiative - Describe the lessons learned in the process - Describe the way forward Layout: Maximum of 5 pages, with 1 inch margins, font size 12, single spacing. Electronic or email submissions should be compatible with Microsoft Word. Deadline: October 15, 2005 For further information, or to submit a case study, please contact Sisonkem@osiafrica.org Sisonke Msimang Programme Officer, HIV/AIDS Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa Tel. +27 11 403 3414 Fax. +27 11 403 2708 Email: Sisonkem@osiafrica.org www.osisa.org