Evaluating e-Consultations as catalysts for the youth HIV/AIDS movement

As the number of young people affected by HIV/AIDS assumes massive proportions, social movements to tackle the pandemic need increased organization and innovation. The Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GYCA) was conceived at the15th International AIDS Conference (IAC) in Bangkok, 2002, to synergize the efforts of thousands of youth organizations and networks spread around the world, by bringing them under a common umbrella. The GYCA is a decentralized organization that uses Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to manage programs implemented by regional and national coalition members. In this case study, we describe and critically evaluate two e-consultations that the GYCA conducted with its members: 1) a participatory, shared decision-making approach to inform the GYCA’s initial strategic plan; and, 2) the development of program materials and the strategic advocacy plan for the 2006 IAC in Toronto. Our analyses identify critical strengths of e-consultations in meeting the GYCA’s aims, and important areas for improvement in future replications of the e-consultation model. Finally, we discuss study implications for other public health issues, and the role of ICTs and e-consultations in technology-driven health communication programs.