Dear E Forum Members,

We are happy to inform you that Asia Pacific People’s Alliance for Combating
HIV/AIDS (APPACHA) is organising a panel discussion on the theme “Patents and
Access to Medicines” on 11 June 2005 (Saturday) at 4 PM. in Conference Room 1,
India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi.

You are invited to participate in the panel discussion and launch of
‘Solidarity+’, a bimonthly newsletter of APPACHA. Kindly confirm your presence
and active participation for the same.

Asia Pacific People’s Alliance for Combating HIV/AIDS (APPACHA)

Background

Asia Pacific People’s Alliance for Combating HIV/AIDS (APPACHA) is a
multisectoral alliance which includes people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS,
health activists, community groups, faith-based agencies, human rights agencies,
student movements, policy makers, researchers, programme managers and trade
unions that share a commitment to combat the causes and the consequences of
HIV/AIDS. APPACHA members would be engaged in and informed by dialogue on
emerging areas related to HIV/AIDS issues in Asia. This would open up
opportunities to contribute to and influence HIV/AIDS prevention and care
policies and programmes.

The need of the hour is to look at the HIV/AIDS epidemic and respond to the
requirements of the most vulnerable sections across geographical boundaries. As
against regional efforts concentrating on smaller pockets, Alliances are
effective mechanisms to expand the response towards the prevention and
mitigation of the impact of HIV/AIDS by developing effective advocacy, empirical
knowledge and gathering and sharing technical expertise. It was with this vision
and commitment that the APPACHA was launched in Bangkok on 9 July 2004, during
the XV International AIDS Conference.

APPACHA Newsletter

Carrying forward this vision — Solidarity+ — the bi-monthly newsletter of
APPACHA was visualised. It is expected to serve as an effective tool to address
contemporary socio-political and economic trends in Asia and Pacific regions on
HIV/AIDS.

We are pleased to inform you that the first issue of Solidarity+ has rolled out.
On the occasion of launching the first issue of Solidarity+, APPACHA proposes to
organise a panel discussion on the theme “Patents and Access to Medicines” at
India International Centre (IIC), Conference Room 1, New Delhi on 11 June 2005
at 4:00 PM.

G. Mahesh

Co-ordinator HIV/AIDS Cell,
ActionAid International – Asia
91, II Floor, Navjeevan Vihar, New Delhi – 110 017
Tele Fax: +91-11-26691993/ 94 Extn. 41
Email: gmahesht@...