AIDS is the leading cause of death worldwide for people aged 15-49. There are more than 33.2 million people living with HIV and AIDS, nearly 22.5 million of which live in sub-Saharan Africa. Approximately 6,000 people die every day from AIDS. The SEEP Network has started a crosssector initiative to bring together microenterprise development and public health professionals to confront and combat the challenge of HIV and AIDS.

From June 18 to June 25, 2008, the SEEP Network hosted the on-line conference Strategies for Microenterprise and HIV Programming with the support of the United States Agency for International Development. The SEEP Network Guidelines for Microenterprise Development in HIV and AIDS-Impacted Communities: Supporting Economic Security and Health (The SEEP Guidelines) were the driving force of this introductory dialogue. Nearly 200 field practitioners from all over the world enrolled in this conference, and there were 25 active participants in the discussions.

Key Discussions:

1. Benefits to Integrating MED and HIV and AIDS Programming
2. Facilitating Cross-Sectoral Partnerships
3. MED Strategies within HIV and AIDS Impacted Communities
4. Challenges of Integrated Programming