To be able to launch the GYP Advocacy Campaign in Lebanon , it was important that a rapid situation analysis is undertaken - in collaboration with youth partners and national stakeholders in the country - with regards to (i) the current advocacy initiatives for young people; and (ii) the existing policy and funding environment.

Indeed, the objective of the policy advocacy analysis assignment is to assess the various policies, interventions, achievements, constraints with regard to advocacy on HIV/AIDS generally and with special focus on young people in Lebanon .

A national consultant on HIV/AIDS was identified and assigned to carry out this task over a period of one month (September 2004). The Lebanon GYPs were involved in this assignment in terms of data collection. The consultant undertook the assignment through (a) carrying out literature and desk review, (b) developing questionnaire, (c) training the GYPs on the use of the questionnaires, (d) and consulting with key stakeholders including government, NGOs, media, private sector, and UN.

The final outcome of this advocacy needs assessment resulted in a thorough and comprehensive analysis focusing on the following dimensions:

A set of pertinent recommendations were developed based on the analysis and proposing focus areas and interventions that could to addressed through the elaboration of the Lebanon GYP advocacy strategy and its plan of action. The analysis and recommendations were presented by the national consultant and discussed at length during the advocacy training workshop.