INVITATION  AIDS_ASIA e FORUM.

Hi,

If you are already a member of this FOURM please forward this message to your
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[AIDS_ASIA e FORUM] is an experimental occasional electronic newsletter. An e-
forum committed to the development of an Asian perspective on AIDS prevention
and care issues. HIV/AIDS does not recognize national boundaries. As Asia-
pacific countries are increasingly interconnected through migration and trade,
it is imperative to generate a regional perspective on HIV/AIDS related issues.

A forum for critical analysis of issues, events and programs, which has
implications on, our ability to address HIV/AIDS prevention and care issues
across the region. More than 6,900 subscribers are using this FORUM.

Strategic HIV information and communication support to promote the capacity of
Asian leaders, activists and people living with HIV/AIDS, to facilitate their
engagement and networking, to highlight their experiences and the solutions they
are offering to address HIV/AIDS issues in this region.

A cross cultural discourse on issues and concerns of Asia- Pacific countries
(regions): Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China,
East Timor, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, Marshall
Islands, Micronesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, North Korea,
Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon
Islands, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and
Viet Nam will be presented and promoted on this forum.

Please review the archived messages on the following url

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AIDS_ASIA/

GLOBAL FUND BOARD LAUNCHES SIXTH GRANT ROUND
27 April, 2006

Geneva, Switzerland – The Board of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS,
Tuberculosis and Malaria decided today to call for a new round of
grant proposals from countries striving to combat AIDS, TB and
malaria. The call for a new round of proposals at this time — the
sixth in the history of the Global Fund – puts the Board on track to
approve a new round of Global Fund grants at its second meeting in
November 2006, following the period needed for the submission and
evaluation process.

Founded four years ago with the aim of drastically scaling up the
resources available to fight the three diseases, the Global Fund
currently mobilizes 20 percent of international financing to combat
HIV/ AIDS, and 65 percent of all international funds invested in
combating malaria and tuberculosis.

"Already, millions of people have benefited from the programs the
Global Fund is financing around the world and hundreds of thousands
of people are alive today who otherwise might not have been," said
Richard Feachem, the Executive Director of the Global Fund. "The
launch of Round Six today allows us to maintain this vital momentum
to win the battle against these three pandemics."

The launch of Round Six enables countries to seek funding for
achieving global targets such as universal access to AIDS treatment
and prevention by 2010 and to cut the number of deaths from
tuberculosis and malaria by half by 2015. In addition, the launch of
the sixth round is especially significant for a number of countries
whose current grants will reach the end of their five-year lifespan
over the coming years. Where countries have shown effective use of
donor resources, Round 6 presents the opportunity to build on
programs which are having an impact in fighting and preventing the
three diseases, and to ensure continuity for those already on
treatment.

"The progress made by programs supported by the Global Fund must be
rapidly accelerated," said Dr. Carol Jacobs, chair of the Global Fund
Board. "We know that countries and vulnerable populations are
depending on it and we must not fail them. With the vote taken today
to launch the Global Fund's sixth round, the Board is proud to
reinforce its commitment to this purpose."

Following the launch of a new round, grant proposals are submitted by
countries to the Global Fund, and evaluated by an independent
Technical Review Panel. Proposals of high quality are recommended to
the Board of the Global Fund for approval. The Board approves
programs for two years, with an option to renew funding for a second
three-year phase if the programs achieve targeted results. Since it
was created in January 2002, the Global Fund has approved US$ 5.1
billion to 385 grants, supporting programs implemented in 130
countries.

The deadline for submission of grant proposals will be August 3 and
the grants recommended for approval will be presented to the Board it
its meeting, on 1-3 November 2006.

Simultaneous with the vote to launch the Global Fund's sixth round of
grants, the Board called for a concerted effort by current and
potential donors to pledge the additional resources needed for full
funding of Round 6 by the time the new grants are ready for approval
in November. Global Fund policy requires that funds needed to finance
the first phase of grants are deposited with the Global Fund by the
time of grant signing.

Information on the work of the Global Fund is available on our
website:  http://www.theglobalfund.org

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
53 Avenue Louis-Casai CH-1216 Cointrin, Geneva, Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 791 1700, Fax: +41 22 791 17 01

Mark the Day: May 7, World AIDS Orphans Day; Tens of Thousands to
Commemorate Day Around the World

NEW YORK, April 20 /U.S. Newswire/ -- In a global effort to call
attention to the plight of millions of children orphaned by AIDS and
all orphans and vulnerable children, mayors from 207 cities in 32
countries, including more than 40 in the U.S., have proclaimed May
7, 2006, World AIDS Orphans Day (WAOD).

(see http://www.worldaidsorphansday.org for complete list).
This is the fifth observance of World AIDS Orphan Day, an initiative
begun by Albina du Boisrouvray, president of Francois- Xavier
Bagnoud (FXB) International -- http://www.fxb.org -- a non-profit
organization (NGO) based in Geneva that supports the world's orphans
and vulnerable children left in the wake of the AIDS pandemic.

In the U.S., where more than 40 mayors will proclaim the day, the
mobilization effort focuses on the complete implementation by
President George W. Bush of historic legislation, the Assistance for
Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children in Developing Countries Act of
2005 (OVC), signed into law by the President in November 2005.

The legislation was introduced by U.S. Senators Richard Lugar (R-
Ind.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and U.S. Representatives Henry
Hyde (R-Ill.) and Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), and represents bold
bipartisan action to stop the suffering of millions of children
orphaned by diseases of poverty, particularly AIDS, and made
vulnerable by poverty, conflict and other causes.

The OVC Act was championed by Global Action for Children (GAC), a
broad coalition of humanitarian, religious and citizen advocacy
groups which is urging the U.S. mayors, Members of Congress and
other elected officials to support the new Act.

The activities of the May 7 Coalition (leading US, African and
Indian NGOs) include child-lead forums, organizing "circles of
friends" across the U.S and Africa, rallies, drama presentations,
lobbying with mayors and government officials, town hall meetings,
hosting a gala with international dignitaries in major cities,
developing interactive websites and media tools, and conducting
radio and television campaigns.

The global theme of WAOD 2006 is to urge governments to fulfill the
commitments made at the UN in 2001 to fund programs to deal with the
world's AIDS crisis, and their actions will be reviewed at a special
UN session, May 31 - June 2, 2006.

For more information on WAOD, and to find out what is happening in
your area, contact Don Casey, 718-237-9173, Communications Director,
FXB USA.

http://www.usnewswire.com/
http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=64248

Virtual Conference of National Conference on Research in HIV&AIDS

You are invited to view and participate in the Virtual Conferencce
stream of National Conference on Research in HIV & AIDS, New Delhi
India. Though the actual runs for 3 days (21 April to 23 April, 2006),
the Virtual Conference website will run for a longer time.

The website will start functioning from the afternoon of 21st April
2006. The url for the site is www.vcinhiv.org <http://www.vcinhiv.org>

Once you enter this site, information on how you could participate is
available. Though we have used the term Virtual Conference, the upload
of conference proceedings happens only after a gap of about 6 hours.

You are invited to participate and post your views and comments on the
different conference sessions. Your feedback is valuable for us to
refine Virtual Conferences and provide you with an enhanced Virtual
Conferencing experience in future.

Conference Secretariat

Shomik Ray
E-mail: <shomik@...>

On May 24, this year, Bob Dylan turns 65. His birthday is being
celebrated unbroken in Shillong for the 34th consecutive year. It's
grown from a small private celebration among close friends (1972) to
a much-looked-forward-to annual event that draws Dylan fans from
across the country and some parts of the world.

You only have to run a search on "dylan" and "shillong," on the
Internet to see how far and wide word of the event has spread. In
fact the Shillong event is even listed on dylanbase.com - the most
popular of dylan websites worldwide.

This year, Lou Majaw and 'Great Society' - the brains behind the
whole gig - have decided to join hands with UNAIDS and Maitri (a
Shillong-based National HIV/AIDS awareness & prevention initiative) -
  to fight the deadly AIDS virus. The objective is to build awareness
about HIV/AIDS and help the word spread, so the Virus won't!

Proceeds of the celebrations - raised largely from sponsorships,
munificent donations, ticket sales and sale of merchandise, would
contribute towards funding "maitrigram" a 9-acre village in the
Umbir area overlooking the picturesque Umiam (or Barapani) lake.
Maitrigram is being set up for the care and support of children
below the age of 10 who have lost one or both parents (orphaned or
abandoned) to HIV/AIDS and in need of compassion, care and a healthy
environment to grow up in.

There are two primary reasons for this strategic partnership:

1.We want to reach out to the Youth - they make the best
ambassadors; and,
2.It's going to take the same level of commitment and belief as
Great Society and Lou's (Shillong Unbroken 34) if we are going to
fight and win the war against AIDS.

We're trying to rope in as much support - a massive recruitment
drive as it were - to stop the Virus in its tracks and have it do a
turn around. It can only work with your unstinting help and support.

The 2-hour concert (1800-2000 hrs), will be held at the State
Central Library Auditorium (seating capacity 750 - so book early!)
and is being coordinated by event managers Cognet Solutions.

There will be performances by Ace of Spades - Lou Majaw, Arjun Sen -
Delhi-based music director of national acclaim (guitar), Lew Hilt -
respected musician and painter (bass), Nondon Bagchi - drummer,
educationist and columnist; Guest artistes: Anjan and Neel Dutt -
the father-son duo from Kolkata and Liz Cotton - English musician.
These will be punctuated by poetry and the announcements of the
results of fun contests organized as a build up to the show.

We've opened up a line of communication with NDTV to be our channel
partners in promoting the event and MTV to cover the event
as "electronic media partners." The Telegraph has customarily been
the print media partners of the Event and this is most likely to
continue even this year. We are also attempting to rope in Radio
Mirchi to help build awareness.

Some of these fun contests include:

1. Members of the audience (men AND women) will be encouraged to
participate in the "Dylan Look Alike Contest." An anonymous panel of
judges will decide the winner. Should there be more than one
exceptionally good look alike, there will be a sing-off!

2. One lucky "birthday boy/girl" from among the audience who shares
his/her birthday with Dylan will get a gift - a watch worth Rs
19,500.00 courtesy Longines. The winner will be decided by draw of
lots and would have to provide documentary evidence of date of birth.

3. Special 65th Dylan Birthday Celebration Merchandise will be
available at the venue and at select outlets thereafter as
souvenirs. These would include T-shirts, sling bags, scarves,
stickers, coasters, keychains, baseball caps, posters etc.

4. Every member of the audience would receive a "goody bag" - a
tradition with most birthday celebrations!

If you are concerned about the HIV/AIDS pandemic and wish to throw
your weight behind the movement, do mail me at
sanjay.sharma.cognet@.... I'd love to hear from you, whether
it's a suggestion, a good wish or even a critique!

Here's 10 ways you can help:

1. Get yourself screened for HIV
2. Volunteer your services to Maitri by becoming a member
3. Support an affected abandoned orphan who's lost one or both
parents to HIV/AIDS
4. Wear the AIDS ribbon
5. Fight the stigma and discrimination against people living with
HIV/AIDS
6. Buy the "Bob Dylan Shillong Unbroken Fight AIDS" merchandise (T-
shirts, caps, visors, keychains, sling bags, posters etc) available
for sale at select outlets and at the venue during the performance
and use or gift them.
7. Without exception - say "NO" to unprotected sex.
8. Participate in the Celebrations at Shillong on 24 May 2006
9. Support the Event through sponsorship or donations.
10. Download a free wallpaper of the event to build AIDS awareness
from http://www.maitri.org.in and save it to your computer's
desktop. Then pass it on to all the people in your address book,
including the person who sent it to you. It will save countless
innocent lives.

--
Sanjay Sharma
Director,
Maitri,
Pineview II, Nongrimmaw,
Laitumkhrah, Shillong - 793 011
Meghalaya, India.
+364-250-6050, +94361-61402
e-mail: director@...

My Martyr, who lived with AIDS

It was raining when I left Kathmandu this morning for Butwal a small
town in western Nepal. Today is the thirteenth day of the general
strike. I was carrying ARVs for some of my friends in Butwal.
Streets of  Butwal was in flames. The only means of transportation
to take me to Butwal, 20 kms away from the airport were bicycle and
tricycles (Rickshaw).

As I stepped outside the airport there was a dead silence. Something
chilled my heart. I felt as if something is going to go wrong. I
took a Rickshaw. After a few bargaining with the Rickshaw puller, he
was ready to take me to Butwal for three hundred rupees. Stone and
tree in many places blocked roads and tyres were burning in some
places.

It took me one and half hour to reach our care home. As I had felt,
a person was dying in the center. He was breathing heavily. One of
his relatives was sitting next to him. I talked with her and she
said that she had no hopes. She said, "we are waiting for his death".

I talked with our staff and they told me that there are no flights
till Thursday as the pilot association is also going on a strike
tomorrow. They had been trying to find a seat in flights for last 2
weeks but due to the strike they couldn't succeed.

Though there was a seat in the chartered flights they were very
expensive. And since all the banks were closed, they didn't had
enough money to pay even for the expensive tickets so they decided
to wait till Thursday.

I tried to call an ambulance but all the ambulances were busy
carrying the injured protestors. Over hundred thousand people were
on the streets even in this small town. Some also suggested that it
is useless to call an ambulance because there is no place to take
him.

Private medical college in a nearby town of Bhairawa had already
referred him to Kathmandu saying that they didn't have an expertise
and government hospital had refused to treat him saying they didn't
had the national guidelines on treating patients with HIV/AIDS.

Actually all of that are excuses. Who wants to treat a poor patient
with an incurable disease – a very common perception outside the
main cities?

I called our office in Kathmandu to seek expert advice but before we
could take any further actions he died. I have never felt this kind
of helplessness in my entire life.

If we had taken him to Kathmandu, we could have saved him.

Thousands of Nepalese are fighting for restoration of democracy -
many of them have died.. In a nearby town a women who was watching
the demonstration from her window died after a bullet fired by the
police hit her on the chest and she is now declared as a Martyr for
democracy.

Sadly the one who died in our center today will not be remembered as
a Martyr though he died as a result of the ongoing movement because
he lived with AIDS.

Shibu Giri
Nava Kiran Plus
Butwal, Western Nepal

Copied from Nepal aidstalk
Posted by Raj Khadka,
kiran_bivuti@...

Dear Friends,

I’m glad to share with you a list of the activity packet that the May 7
Coalition has put together for use by various partners and organizations towards
World AIDS Orphans Day (WAOD) 2006.

We encourage organizations to use the resources/activity packet and at the same
time have the flexibility to come up with innovative ways of marking WAOD May 7,
2006 according to specific localities. Please let us know how you plan to mark
and also how you marked May 7 2006!

Activity Packet/Suggestion List

Organize town hall meetings to create awareness on orphans and vulnerable
children; discuss with political leaders about plight of orphans and vulnerable
children and various interventions (local responses in assisting children
orphaned and or made vulnerable to HIV/AIDS)

Conduct workshops/trainings for orphans and vulnerable children on a given
topic- psychosocial support, peer support, mentoring programs

Organize marches against discrimination and stigmatization of orphaned and
vulnerable children, football matches, dances and theatre performances

Organize activities and events such as renovation of houses, orphanages,
cleaning; provision of material and agricultural support, especially for
child-headed households

Create a Circle of Hope: Gather a group of friends, people interested in raising
awareness about World AIDS Orphans Day, an after school club, or youth group.
Find a place to hold your circle of hope, and get candles to hold during the
ceremony. Invite family, friends, like-minded groups and people; contact your
local government officials and the media. Decide a place and time to hold your
circle and encourage people to share stories, poetry, artwork, or thoughts on
how AIDS is affecting children all over the world.

Plant a Tree of Hope: This is the perfect type of event to be held on May 7,
World AIDS Orphans Day. First find a park or other public space and get
permission to plant a tree. Invite a well-known public official, such as your
mayor, or governor, the president of your town council, or even the principal of
your school to plant the tree with you or your group. Raise money to buy a small
plaque to explain the significance of your tree. Contact local media to
advertise your event as well as be there to cover it.

Encourage your Community leaders to sign the 2006 WAOD Proclamation:
http://www.worldorphansday.org/en/pdf/why_political_0.pdf

Write a letter to the government/political leaders/opinion leaders
Contact your elected officials, political and opinion leaders (religious,
community leaders and civil society leaders) and urge them to support/continue
to support aid programs and funding in regions affected by AIDS.

Bring to their attention World AIDS Orphans Day and persuade them to make a
public declaration of support or attend an event. Be sure to use specific facts
and statistics to demonstrate not only the great importance of the topic, but
also your knowledge of it. Make a specific request, asking them to approve a
specific bill, or attend a certain event.

See the attached sample letter! You can tailor the letter to your locality and
relevance (type in word and print out)

http://www.planusa.org/stuff/contentmgr/files/f15ad9ee59652c369e000bc1d13c532f/m\
iscdocs/sample_letter_to_government.pdf

Write a letter to your national, town or school newspaper

Write a letter to your national, town or school newpaper explaining to them the
issues surrounding children orphaned by AIDS. Let them know how orphans and
vulnerable children are affected.

Use the link below to access resources and statistics about children orphaned
and affected by HIV/AIDS.

http://www.planusa.org/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/48627

Show a film

Check out the “Films” page included in this toolkit. Follow the steps in “How to
Stage a Filming”. Just simply watching a film and hosting a discussion can be a
powerful educational experience for you and your audience.

How to stage a film showing

1. Select an appropriate film from the list below (or one of your own choosing)
2. If you want to show it at your school or some other venue get permission from
the appropriate person.
3. Find a class or other audience to show the film to.
4. Use the discussion questions given to you, or come up with ones of your own
to hold a discussion afterwards.

The following films relate to HIV/AIDS. An updated list of all reccomended films
on a variety of topics, can be found at
https://www.planusa.org/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/11416#AIDS
If a film is produced by Plan, you can request a copy by contacting us at
yuga@....

Any activity that you deem fit for the day (may include hymns, songs and
rallies)

We will be glad to respond to questions that you may have. Please feel free to
contact me at cxavier@...


Best regards,

Charles Xavier

For May 7 Coalition
E-mail: <cxavier@...>

http://www.worldorphansday.org/en/index.php

Skill building session:

Scope of Internet Mediated Communication (IMC) in HIV/AIDS response:
An Introductory Workshop.

At the National Conference on Research in HIV & AIDS. Research - Gaps,
Priorities, Strategies.
http://www.nacoresearchconference2006.com/

Venue:  Hall D. The Ashok Hotel, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
Date: April 22, 2006
Presentation time:    03.00- 4.15
Facilitated by:  Joe Thomas

The Internet mediated communications is proving to be an emerging
and promising avenue for the dissemination of HIV & AIDS prevention
and care related information and communication. However, an
organised approach towards enhancing the capacity of stake holders
in integrating IMC into HIV/AIDS response and guidance for
structuring and evaluating these interactions are still in it's
infancy.

This workshop explores the implications of Internet mediated
communications (IMC) on HIV/AIDS prevention and care related
information and communication. A variety of subjects are covered
including overview of internet mediated communication,  technical
aspects, function and role of e-mail forums, methods of categorising
forum, models of forums, techniques to review the forums, social
influence, regulatory issues, effects on research, issues of
participatory democracy. Participants will increase their awareness
of online HIV/AIDS information and capacity to integrate IMC into
their HIV/AIDS response.

A. The context

Rapid spread of Internet has provided an unprecedented opportunity
for rapid diffusion of information and knowledge on a global level.

The full potential of Internet mediated information and
communication possibilities has not been systematically harnessed,
fully to enhance AIDS prevention and care efforts

The empowering potential of Internet, the ability to use the
information as and when the health care consumers and service
providers require it has not been fully explored in developing
countries

The social consequences of the emerging digital divide is more acute
than other health inequities

There is an urgent need to explore and exploit the full potential of
the interactivity- capacity of Internet as part of the global
efforts to combat the causes and consequences of HIV infection.

B. Scope

To review the extent and nature of the use of Internet mediated
communication in AIDS related work

To identify strategies to promote the use of Internet in HIV/AIDS
related work

C. The target audience (Maximum participants 15)

Moderators of Internet forums
Selected web masters
HIV/AIDS Advocates
e- Correspondents
Active internet users
Community leaders
Policy makers

D. Out line of the workshop

1. Introduction to the workshop
2. Introduction to IMC
3. The structure of HIV/AIDS information on the internet
4. Introduction HIV/AIDS e-FORUMS
5. How to assess the quality and Reliability of information
6. Barriers to an effective IMC in HIV/AIDS response
7. Q & A, Follow up

E. Method

Presentation by the facilitator and participants
Group discussions
Demonstration
Practical

For further details and to register, please contact

Joe Thomas
e-mail: joe_thomas123@...

IRAN:   "Iran's Anti-HIV Program Serves as a Model"

Fort Worth Star-Telegram    (04.14.06):: Hannah Allam

By balancing the views of AIDS activists, who speak frankly about
sex and drugs, and the ruling ayatollahs, who fiercely protect
ultraconservative Muslim values, Iran has become the leader in
HIV/AIDS prevention in the Middle East. Iran's approach, which
combines deep-rooted religious views with cutting-edge research, is
now being exported to Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Sudan,
Syria and other Muslim nations.

"I told my colleagues in the United Arab Emirates, 'You're not more
rigid than us. We're the only country in the world where it's the
law to wear a head scarf, where it's a pure Islamic government,
where you can't drink," said Dr. Araah Alaei, one of Iran's top AIDS
researchers. "If we have a prevention program, why don't you?"

Though Iranians caught with alcohol are flogged, heroin addicts can
access clean syringes and methadone treatment. Health workers in the
county hand out condoms to prostitutes. In every region of Iran,
government clinics offer free HIV testing, counseling and treatment.
A state-sponsored magazine recently started up a monthly column that
profiles HIV-positive Iranians. Last year, the postal service
unveiled a stamp featuring a red AIDS ribbon. This year, the
government will spend about $30 million on HIV prevention.

Even Iran's notorious secretive network of prisons has embraced
prevention. In a startling acknowledgement of sex and drugs in the
country's closely guarded quarters, the government has made condoms
and syringes available in detention centers across Iran.

"Iran now has one of the best prison programs for HIV in not just
the region, but in the world," said UNAIDS country coordinator Dr.
Hamid Setayesh. "They're passing out condoms and syringes in
prison. .In the whole world, there aren't more than six or seven
countries doing that."

Despite all efforts, the shame and isolation that HIV-positive
Iranians face endures. While the government reports that 12,000
people have HIV, health workers say the real figure is closer to
70,000. Many HIV patients in Iran are hesitant to tell relatives and
coworkers about their diagnosis, fearful that they will be fired
from their jobs or cast out of their homes.

CDC PreventioNews listserve:
http://www.cdcnpin.org/scripts/prevention_news.asp

Online Training in Biostatistics begins April 17, 2006

Solidarity and Action Against the HIV Infection in India (SAATHII) is pleased to
launch its on-line training in Biostatistics and Research Methods for HIV/AIDS
service providers.

The duration this training would be for 5 weeks starting from 17 April 2006,
with lecture modules sent out every alternate day.

Participant eligibility:

1. Individuals with work experience in the HIV/AIDS service
provision or monitoring/evaluation sectors.

2. Prior exposure to Microsoft Office (TM) software such as Excel,
Word and PowerPoint.

3. Grasp of written and spoken English.

Course Instructor: Dr. L. Ramakrishnan, Country Director (Programs
and Research)

Course Coordinator: B. Vilasini

Computer requirements: PC with MS Office installed, and internet
access (dial-up will suffice). Chat software (Skype or Yahoo
messenger), Email address that can receive attachments of upto 1.5MB.

Course details, application process and pre-test questionnaire are
given at www.saathii.org/orc/etraining/2006/biostats

Once you have completed and sent the pre-test questionnaire, please
send mail to saathii.courses@.... Feel free to contact us if
you have any questions on the course or clarifications on the
application process.


Dr.L.Ramakrishnan & B.Vilasini
SAATHII: Solidarity and Action Against the HIV Infection in India
http://www.saathii.org/orc/etraining

Course and Training inquiries
by e mail: saathii.courses @ gmail.com

Global AIDS Week of Action: One week that can change the next five
years

Introduction

During the week of 20-26 May, civil society voices from across the
world are speaking out to demand a stronger response, more
accountability and more resources in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

This Global AIDS Week of Action is the platform for civil society to
stand together, generate political pressure and influence decision-
makers making choices that affect our lives.

The week of action is the last moment for influencing decision-
makers before they walk into the halls of UN for the 2006 High-Level
Meeting on AIDS. At this meeting, they will analyze the small gains,
the big losses and make new promises to respond to the epidemic.

They will decide what the priorities are and how much money will be
spent on what.

The message of the Global AIDS Week of Action will not only denounce
the current situation by saying that we are 'disappointed' and
'demand more' of our governments; it will make clear that civil
society sees that the current level of government action is no
longer sufficient. AIDS is continuing to spread, and we are asking
for a new order that includes more empowering and meaningful roles
for people living with HIV or AIDS and civil society participation
in implementation of AIDS programmes as well as future
accountability efforts.

What You Can Do

Between now and the end of May in your country, it's time for
action. Would you like to have a say in how AIDS in your world will
be shaped over the next five years? Make a big noise! You choose
what action, how and where. Share your ideas with friends and
colleagues in other countries by sending an email to:
aidsweek@....

These actions will be posted on the www.ungasshiv.org site to share
with the world.

The specific actions chosen in each country are not as important as
the process of involving a larger coalition in discussing the
realities of turning the tide against HIV and AIDS and clearly
communicating the key national priorities and demands to our
governments, as well as essential roles for civil society in the HIV
and AIDS response.

The Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance strongly encourages everyone
to be involved in country- level advocacy. This advocacy is even
more  important than coming to New York for the review itself! Here
are some ideas of where you could begin:

Involve young people! Request a free copy of the 'Keep the Promise'
teacher's resource through the online order form, or download the
guide directly from the web in four languages at:
http://www.e-alliance.ch/hiv_curriculum.jsp

Conduct a letter writing campaign. Write letters to your President
or Prime Minister, Minister of Health or Minister of Foreign
Affairs, Ambassador to the United Nations and contact your National
AIDS Programme or Ministry of Health to ask him/her to keep their
promise and support a renewal and strengthening of commitments made
in 2001.

A sample letter and background information can be found in the
curriculum listed above.

Ask a local community leader to take up the cause, interview the
leader or ask him/her to make a statement regarding the Declaration
of Commitment.

Organize a prayer service to raise awareness of the impact of HIV
and AIDS in your community. Invite faith leaders and people living
with HIV and AIDS to speak. Consider collecting and donating the
offering to a local group working with people living with HIV or
AIDS in your community.

Organize a rally, vigil, protest or march in your local area or even
in the capital city. Take out an ad in the local paper; make signs,
slogans or t-shirts!

Be sure to write press releases, host press conferences and
encourage press interviews and media coverage of all of your events.

Take photos of your events and share them with us.

Expose what AIDS promises haven't been kept, make a noise about
what you think are priority AIDS issues in your country and your
community.

Review the Declaration of Commitment along with your country's
progress report. Country reports will be available before the end of
April. Civil society organizations in a number of countries are also
preparing shadow reports.

These reports are or will be available at
http://ungasshiv.org/

Identify what are the best practices and obstacles faced -- what is
and is not working in the country to prevent the spread of HIV and
how/ why treatment is or is not being administered. Share this
information with your government leaders.

Ensure that your government delegation understands the concerns
and needs of people living with HIV, knows who the marginalized
affected groups are and has a list of the most urgent needs of
frontline health workers, before they catch the plane to the meeting
in New York.

Join the EAA's UNGASS review listserve for further updates and
action alerts. Subscribe by sending an email with your name and
organization to cbordeau@....


Are you a part of your country delegation?

We are working to identify and contact these participants well in
advance of the meeting to offer information about logistics,
programs, side events, etc. We would also like to facilitate
dialogue, exchange of information, messages and ideas among
participants to make civil society participation in this event
much more effective and meaningful.

Please complete the following information and send to: cbordeau@e-
alliance.ch

Name:
Organization:
Type of organization:
Contact details (include email address):
Country:

Get Involved in UNGASS 2006! For more information:
www.ungasshiv.org

Ecumenical planning for the UNGASS Review:
www.e-alliance.ch/ungassreview.jsp

Short term Consultancy with FPA India

The Family Planning Association of India (FPA India) is a non governmental
agency working for the promotion of family planning, sexual and reproductive
health, enhancing women's status, meeting the specific needs of adolescents, men
and marginalized groups in disadvantaged conditions in unserved and underserved
areas across the country.

FPA India is a founder member of the International Planned Parenthood Federation
(IPPF), the world's largest organization in the field of sexual and reproductive
health and rights, working in more than 180 countries worldwide.

The thrust areas of our work are 5 A’s: Adolescents, HIV/AIDS, Access, Abortion
and Advocacy.

The organization is looking for individuals who will take up short term
consultancy in the above areas of work on assignment basis.  Interested
individuals may send their resume along with two references. Also send us a
sample of your work (published or unpublished). Only short listed individuals
will be contacted. Based on the timing and duration of the assignment Terms of
Reference will be developed.

You may send the details through email at sg@...  or by post at the
following address to:

Secretary General
Family Planning Association of India
Head Quarters:
Bajaj Bhawan, Nariman Point,
Mumbai 400 021.

Bindiya Nimla
E-mail: <bnimla69@...>

UNAIDS PCB Report: Call for Inputs from NGOs and HIV/AIDS Activists

Dear colleagues,

UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS is the
leading organization in the definition of a global HIV/AIDS
response. Delegates from five regions [Africa, Asia/Pacific, Latin
America/Caribbean, Europe & North America] are present in the
UNAIDS - Programme Coordination Board (PCB). The UNAIDS - PCB is a
high level advisory board consisting of representatives from 22
Governments, 10 Cosponsoring Organizations, and 5 NGO Delegates (+5
alternates) representing civil society.

Every year the NGO Delegates prepare a Global Report to be submitted
in the Annual PCB meeting, which this year holds in 27-28 June 2006
in Geneva, Switzerland.

This is an exceptional and strategic opportunity to communicate the
Civil Society perspectives to high-level officials both in
government and throughout the UN and other organizations (such as
the Cosponsors).

The NGOs Delegates Report main objective is to reflect the Civil
Society perspective of the Epidemic in the Regions and this will
only be achieved with a sustainable participation from the NGO
Community. We kindly request you to send your response to the
questions below.

Due to time constraints we kindly appeal you to send you responses
before April XX. That will give us time to work on the document and
present back to you for review before the final version.

Questions:

1. What are the major concerns in your community on HIV/AIDS
prevention, treatment and care?

2. What are the core issues related to stigma and discrimination?

3. How is the policy environment in your region affecting your work?
Which changes are needed?

4. What are the key issues about partnership, participation and
sustainability affecting your work? Please share concerns linked to
capacity, resources, programme development and implementation.

5. Please share with us issues/topics you believe are not covered in
the above questions that need to be target [please remember that
this Report objective is to highlight the main issues/concerns on
the regions].

Thanks for your collaboration we look forward to have your inputs.

With our best regards,
Looking forward to hear from you soon,

Bhawani Shanker Kusum

NGO Delegate for Asia Pacific, UNAIDS PCB
Secretary & Executive Director
Gram Bharati Samiti (GBS)
Amber Bhawan, Amber 302028
Jaipur     India
Tel./Fax : 91-141-2530719
E-mail: gbsbsk@...
www.gbsjp.org

Pugwash conference on HIV/AIDS starts today in Chennai, India

Friday, April 07, 2006 13:00 IST
Our Bureau, Chennai

The 5th Pugwash Conference on HIV/AIDS, organized under the Pugwash
Conference on Science and world Affairs, will be commenced at
M.S.Swaminathan Research Foundation Chennai from 7th to 9th April
2006.

Pugwash Conference on Science and World Affairs, convened for the
first time by Bertrand Russell and Albert Einstein to bring together
scientists from all over the world on threats against human
existence, is trying to gather experts from African countries and
Asia to exchange successful replicable strategies for the prevention
management and mitigation of HIV/AIDS.

In the three-day conference, the scientists from various countries
will discuss issues like Policy and state responses to HIV/AIDS and
TB co-infection in Africa and India, Translating awareness into
behaviour change, Ensuring access and adherence to anti-retroviral
therapy with reference to experiences from Africa and India,
Improving awareness and preventing infections among young people,
especially in young women in both India and Africa.

The conference will check out the impact of interventions to improve
nutritional and food security in the fight against HIV/AIDS and TB
co-infection in Africa and Asia. The situation will analysed by the
experts from World Food Programme (WPF), the organization working
against the malnutrition and food security world wide. There will be
sessions discussing effective strategies for preventing paediatric
HIV and special experiences of the defence services in the control
of HIV/AIDS also.

"The conference is intended to bring together the experts from the
first wave countries where the epidemic has struck first and with
great intensity, like South Africa, Kenya and Uganda, and those from
second wave countries where the epidemic threatens to spiral out of
control, like China and India, to exchange the strategies for
prevention and management of HIV," Prof. M.S.Swaminathan, President,
Pugwash Conference on Science and World Affairs and Chairman of
M.S.Swaminathan Research Foundation told in a press conference.

The importance of fighting against HIV is essential in eradication
of Tuberculosis from the country, as there are chances for
multiplying the current rate of disease in context of increase in
HIV/AIDS, informed an expert from the Tuberculosis Research
Institute. The WFP will be an active participant in the conference
and a short film on 'WFP activities in India' will be released in
the function, according to Elizabeth Nozensky, Programme Assistant
(HIV/AIDS), World Food Programme.

http://www.pharmabiz.com/article/detnews.asp?articleid=32727

The Johns Hopkins Pocket Guide to Adult HIV/AIDS Treatment

The Pocket Guide to Adult HIV/AIDS Treatment is a free, printable
reference from the Johns Hopkins AIDS Service that provides medical
information about HIV meds, treatment strategies and health problems
related to HIV and HIV medications. It was created for use by health
care professionals, but anyone with HIV savvy can find it a valuable,
handy tool. (Web highlight from the Johns Hopkins AIDS Service)

You can download the PDF file at:
  http://hopkins-aids.edu/publications/pocketguide/pocketgd0106.pdf

Call for expression of interest.

Volunteer National  e Correspondents (NeC) for AIDS ASIA e FORUM.
(http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AIDS_ASIA/)

AIDS ASIA e FORUM is an electronic FORUM for information and
communication on HIV and  AIDS related issues in Asia Pacific
region. This FORUM has grown to a virtual community of about 7,000
members who are involved or interested in HIV and AIDS related
issues in Asia Pacific region. The members receive 5 to 6 "postings"
in a week. The member list is almost like a `who is who' of HIV and
AIDS related work in Asia Pacific region.

As part of the ongoing support to HIV and AIDS-related discourse in
Asia Pacific region, AIDS ASIA e FORUM is calling for Voluntary
National e Correspondents to join AIDS ASIA e FORUM TEAM to cover
relevant local events and emerging issues on HIV and AIDS related
issues  in Asia Pacific region

The AIDS ASIA e FORUM Volunteer National e Correspondents will
contribute to the FORUM by developing local perspectives from their
own areas of work, based on their own local knowledge, experience
and local language ability. This helps to encourage other FORUM
members to contribute their own views and integrate local priorities
and perspectives into national and international discussions.

The contributions of NeC's  range from

a)Report of meetings, conferences and training programs
b)Presenting personal views
c)Translation of local news from local language sources
d)Summaries of local HIV/AIDS news
e)Brief interviews with key stake holders
f)Report of site visits
g)Information about projects, local data, and issues

.Who could apply to become a Voluntary National e Correspondent of
AIDS ASIA e FORUM?

They may comprise of  people from diverse backgrounds, such as
social workers, journalists, students, lawyers, doctors,
counsellors, people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS, people
from vulnerable populations,  NGOs, epidemiologists, social
scientists, teachers, policy makers, and health activists.

AIDS ASIA e FORUM is keen to bring in National, geographical and
linguistic diversity to the HIV/AIDS related discourse in Asia
Pacific region. The NeC Team will be selected from metros, cities,
small towns, districts, and villages.

Ideally we would like to see at least one AIDS ASIA e FORUM NeCs in
each Asian and Pacific Countries.

What you need is an access to internet at least on a weekly basis.
You may be accessing internet  from an internet café, your own
internet connection or access from your work place.

A willingness to send a brief article, at least once in a month to
the FORUM is the key selection criteria we are look for. .

You don't have to be a master in composing English prose. Basic
English writing skill is what we are seeking. A keen, critical  eye
on emerging national HIV and AIDS issues and a willingness to share
those insights with an International audience.

What do the NeCs get out of being part of the Team?

AIDS ASIA e FORUM is currently running on a voluntary basis on a
Zero budget.  The NeCs are invited to join the FORUM as volunteers.

But there are numerous non monitory benefits available for being an
AIDS INDA e FORUM  NeC.

Being a part of the AIDS ASIA e-team will provide opportunities to;

a) To attend HIV/AIDS conferences and other events
b) To develop new contacts
c) To widen personal network of contacts and organisations
d) Opportunity for learning and personal development
e) Information-gathering for your personal research projects
f) Develop skills as a journalist or writer
g) Free conference registration
h) Occasional honorarium or equipment supply
i) Means to share personal experience and perspectives on AIDS  to
an International audience
j) To become a local `HIV/AIDS information hub'
k) Opportunities for training in "HIV/AIDS informatics"
l) An opportunity to track HIV/AIDS  pandemic in Asia Pacific region
m) An opportunity to monitor HIV/AIDS response in Asia pacific
region

How to apply to become  an AIDS ASIA e FORUM NeC?

Please contact Dr. Joe Thomas the FORUM moderator for a copy of the
AIDS ASIA e FORUM National e Corespondents Job description.

If you are interested in becoming a Voluntary, National
eCorrespondent (NeC) and working as part of AIDS ASIA e FORUM, then
please send your brief CV  (not more than two pages)  and a brief
note on why you want to become a VeC and what you can contribute to
the HIV and AIDS discourse in Asia Pacific by email to:
correspondents@...

Dr. Joe Thomas
Moderator
AIDS ASIA e FORUM
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AIDS_ASIA/

PNG MP may face charges over HIV infection

PM - Thursday, 23 March , 2006  17:37:00
Reporter: Steve Marshall

MARK COLVIN: In Papua New Guinea,(PNG) a member of the National
Parliament may become the first person to face criminal charges for
intentionally infecting someone with HIV/AIDS. The MP has lost two
wives to the deadly virus, and a six month old baby, born to his
late second wife, may also be infected.

Steve Marshall reports.

STEVE MARSHALL: Investigations started after a complaint was made to
Port Moresby police by relatives of one of the MP's wives who was
HIV positive.  Police interviewed the woman but she died two weeks
later.

A search warrant was then executed on the MP's second wife. Police
seized medical records that confirmed she also had contracted
HIV/AIDS. Three weeks later she too was dead.

Both women were married to a National Member of Parliament who could
now face manslaughter charges for intentionally infecting them.

PNG Detective Peter Guinness.

PETER GUINNESS: Yes. That will be true because we now have a law and
if this particular person was arrested and charged, he will be
definitely charged under the new AMP Act, or HIV Management Act, on
intentional transmission of HIV/AIDS.

STEVE MARSHALL: The HIV/AIDS Management and Prevention Act was
passed by PNG's Parliament in 2003.

Every member of the National Parliament voted in favour of the act,
which was introduced to help counter the country's HIV/AIDS
epidemic. Around two per cent of the population are infected with
the deadly virus.

Now the unnamed MP could become the first person to face criminal
charges under an act he voted for.

He faces charges of intentionally transmitting the virus and
reckless behaviour causing risk of infection.

National Aids Council lawyer Bomal Gonapa is handling the case.

BOMAL GONAPA: We are using this act as a means of trying to advocate
to the people that yes, there is this protection, these are coded,
to the people who are infected as well as those people who are
uninfected, both ways protecting those infected and those are not
infected, remain uninfected.

STEVE MARSHALL: In what appears to be true HIV/AIDS tradition in
PNG, this investigation will no doubt spread wide and far.

The six month old baby of the MP's second wife will also be tested
for the virus while police are preparing to issue search warrants to
other known mistresses of the MP.

This is Steve Marshall in Port Moresby for PM.
http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2006/s1599398.htm

Universal access to HIV care and treatment in Sri Lanka

By Aruna J. Hewapathirane.

This is a perspective of the current situation in Sri Lanka from a
HIV+ persons point of view.

Treatment and ARV Access

We have a FREE National ARV program in place since last December. So
any person who needs treatment can access and for free. This is a
good
thing and it makes us activists happy that the World Bank did
provide support to provide the med's from Cipla India. But we have
some concerns..

- Only 60 odd people are accessing treatment from the FREE National
Program.  While we know there are a whole lot more out there..

- We know beyond any reasonable doubt that others who can afford to
ARE accessing Treatment from outside, Chennai India for example, due
to fears of their lives and lively hoods  being disrupted should
someone somehow disclose their sero status.

- The National Sentinel Survey indicates 740 plus identified and
reported cases of HIV/AIDS in the country, but this figure does not
reflect the numbers that are accessing treatment from outside.
Though we are yet considered a low prevalence country, all the
ingredients are there for a full blown epidemic, the younger
generation does engage in very  risky behaviour patterns, and we are
very vulnerable due to the denial that is still there.

People here are NOT yet comfortable when one brings up  HIV/AIDS to
the discussion table. Though UNAIDS is trying to put in place
effective programmes we feel the amount of awareness among the
general population is still very much lacking.

- Though med's are available at the Colombo General Hospital. There
are nil mechanisms yet for med's to be distributed island wide. So a
person who may need treatment who is in some remote village (
example say Matara, 100 miles down south from Colombo ) would have
to get him/herself to Colombo, get med's from the STD Clinic and get
back home.

What if this person does not have the physical strength to walk, let
alone travel to Colombo? The system is full of bottlenecks which
need to be identified and addressed.

- The World Bank has provided funding for a period of two years
specifically for ARV's. Our concern now is what happens after the
two years ?

Who will provide financial support ? Our Govt does not have the
resources it seems to spend on ARV's yet.

Stigma And Discrimination

The level of stigma and discrimination here IS still very high.
People have had their homes burnt to the ground. Some have lost
their jobs.

Others just abandoned and disowned by their families. We need
support systems that will allow us to live in an enabling
environment, not constant rhetoric and promises that are never kept
or adhered to.

CCM
There are no positive people on the CCM. Why ? It is time for us
PLWHA to be meaningfully involved at every single level of decision
making we feel.

POLICY & LEGISLATION
Center for Policy Alternatives are trying to put in place laws that
will protect the PLWHA from being discriminated against and they are
doing  some great work but we are yet very far away from having what
we need as legislation. But this is progress.

GIPA
There is very little meaningful involvement of PLWHA here right now.

Again due to the cultural mind sets and traditional values and
people never being comfortable when the subject is sexually
oriented. A lot of token involvement is there, we are being used and
then simply discarded.

Global Fund
Few if any PLWHA are involved with the GF. Grants have been given
for TB and Malaria but not one red cent for HIV/AIDS. Again we ask
why ?

Lanka +
National Network of PLWHA. The only organisation run by positive
people for positive people though doing good work on the ground lack
guidance, leadership and most of all financial resources and
support.

Identified Issues and Problems

Denial, lack of meaningful involvement and insufficient material in
local languages contribute to the current sad state every PLWHA here
faces. Stigma and discrimination is the primary root cause which we
MUST address now before the virus kills us the damn stigma most
probably will.

PLWHA are not willing to be open and public due to very real fears
of losing their lively hoods and family lives being disrupted. Most
PLWHA are not aware of the processes or mechanisms availabe to them,
such as the collaborative fund, GF and others.

Suggested Solutions

Inform and educate the general population about all aspects of
HIV/AIDS, if possible on a daily basis. ( 24/7 even.. ) so that
people will start to feel comfortable with the issue and not keep
driving the problem deeper and deeper underground. Start involving
more and more positive people, every body has a skill. We must
identify what he/.she is comfortable doing and then develop that
skill and build their capacities so they in turn can slowly take
back control of their own lives.

Empowerment alone is not sufficient, we need an enabling environment
and that is not going to happen till the general population is
knowledgeable about the ailment and feel comfortable sitting next to
a +ve person. Lastly we feel the key to the solution lies in greater
and meaningful involvement of those who are living with the ailment.

I realize this is not strictly about Universal Access, but we want
people out there to realize what the reality IS on ground zero for
us positives here in Sri Lanka.

In Solidarity –

Aruna J. Hewapathirane.
Email : <aruna.hewapathirane@...>

For a copy of the official version of the Sri Lanka Government
report on Universal access send an e-mail to; download.file.29302@
ews.unaids.org


Cross posted from universal_access@...>
http://ews.unaids.org/Public/UniversalAccess/

A Partial list of NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts. March 31, 2006

HIV and Psychiatric Comorbidity Research Project (R01)
(RFA-MH-07-020)
National Institutes of Health
National Institute of Mental Health
Application Receipt Date(s): May 26, 2006
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-MH-07-020.html


HIV and Psychiatric Comorbidity Research Project (R21)
(RFA-MH-07-021)
National Institutes of Health
National Institute of Mental Health
Application Receipt Date(s): May 26, 2006
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-MH-07-021.html


Program Announcements
Understanding Mechanisms of Health Risk Behavior Change in Children
and Adolescents (R21)
(PA-06-298)
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
National Cancer Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
National Institute on Drug Abuse
National Institute of Nursing Research
Office of Behavioral and Social Science Research
Office of Dietary Supplements
Application Receipt/Submission Date(s): Multiple dates, see
announcement
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-06-298.html


Drug Abuse Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Other Infections (R21)
(PA-06-309)
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Application Receipt/Submission Date(s): Multiple dates, see
announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-06-309.html


Drug Abuse Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Other Infections (R03)
(PA-06-310)
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Application Receipt/Submission Date(s): Multiple dates, see
announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-06-310.html


HIV Vaccine Research and Design (HIVRAD) Program (P01)
(PAR-06-285)
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Application Receipt/Submission Date(s): July 24, 2006; June 21, 2007
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-06-285.html


Integrated Preclinical/Clinical AIDS Vaccine Development (IPCAVD)
Program (U19)
(PAR-06-286)
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Application Receipt/Submission Date(s): July 24, 2006; July 24, 2007
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-06-286.html

INVITATION  AIDS_ASIA e FORUM.

Hi,

If you are already a member of this FOURM please forward this message to your
colleagues who may find this FORUM useful.

[AIDS_ASIA e FORUM] is an experimental occasional electronic newsletter. An e-
forum committed to the development of an Asian perspective on AIDS prevention
and care issues. HIV/AIDS does not recognize national boundaries. As Asia-
pacific countries are increasingly interconnected through migration and trade,
it is imperative to generate a regional perspective on HIV/AIDS related issues.

A forum for critical analysis of issues, events and programs, which has
implications on, our ability to address HIV/AIDS prevention and care issues
across the region. More than 6,900 subscribers are using this FORUM.

Strategic HIV information and communication support to promote the capacity of
Asian leaders, activists and people living with HIV/AIDS, to facilitate their
engagement and networking, to highlight their experiences and the solutions they
are offering to address HIV/AIDS issues in this region.

A cross cultural discourse on issues and concerns of Asia- Pacific countries
(regions): Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China,
East Timor, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, Marshall
Islands, Micronesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, North Korea,
Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon
Islands, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and
Viet Nam will be presented and promoted on this forum.

Please review the archived messages on the following url

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AIDS_ASIA/

Advocacy Guide

Meaningful Involvement of Civil Society in the UNGASS Review Meeting

*** To download the guide, visit www.icaso.org or www.ungasshiv.org***

Five years ago, under the heading of ‘Global Crisis- Global Action’, the
United Nations General Assembly held an unprecedented special session on
HIV/AIDS (UNGASS) – the first time the General Assembly ever addressed a
specific health issue.

The resulting UNGASS Declaration of Commitment (DoC) on HIV/AIDS adopted by all
UN Member States provided a comprehensive framework to halt and to reverse the
HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2010, and included specific and measurable milestones for
2003, 2005 and 2010.

Five years after its adoption, governments are being called to report on
progress they have made toward implementing these promises. One of their
commitments is to:

“..devote sufficient time and at least one full day of the annual session of
the General Assembly to review and debate a report of the
Secretary-General on progress achieved in realizing the commitments set out in
the Declaration.�

Between May 31st and June 2nd, 2006, every member country of the United Nations
will be sending a delegation to New York to participate in this review meeting.

The International Council of AIDS Service Organizations (ICASO) and Health &
Development Networks (HDN) have partnered to prepare this guide to assist you to
advocate to be part of your national delegation, and to support and to influence
them. It also describes other ways in which you can participate in the UNGASS
Review process.

ICASO
E-mail: <icaso@...>

Taking Care of the Children: An Interview with Dr. Jintanat
Ananworanich February 2006
----------------------------
The number of HIV-infected children in Asia has dropped over the
last few years, but treatment for more than 120,000 HIV-positive
Asian children remains a daunting challenge. Dr. Jintanat
Ananworanich

Scarce and prohibitively expensive pediatric drug formulations and
inadequate pediatric treatment education are just two factors that
have led to a situation in which only a small fraction of children
who need antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) are receiving them.

Dr. Jintanat Ananworanich has been a clinical trials physician and
pediatrician at the HIV Netherlands Australia Thailand Research
Collaboration (HIV-NAT) since 2000. She speaks and lectures
internationally about HIV/AIDS, and her research has been published
in leading medical journals such as The Journal of Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome, The Lancet, and Pediatric Infectious Diseases.
_____________________________________________

TREAT Asia Report: How did you become involved in pediatric AIDS?

Dr. Jintanat Ananworanich: I first became interested in HIV when I
was studying immunology in preparation for going to the United
States to do my residency. I was fortunate enough first to spend a
year working as a volunteer researcher in the lab of Dr. Tony Fauci,
director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases, under the direction of Dr. Drew Weissman. They were
working on dendritic cell research in HIV. Afterwards, when I went
to the University of Chicago for my residency, I had the chance to
take care of children with HIV infection and that also appealed to
me.

So it's both the clinical and the basic science of HIV that
attracted me. When it came time to select a fellowship, I chose an
immunology program involved with the care of children with HIV. And
when I came back to Thailand, I specifically looked for an
organization that was involved with both children and adults with
HIV. At first there were no children at HIV-NAT, so I started
working on adults and then gradually tried to start pediatric HIV
research here.

I'm drawn to children with HIV, I think, because they are really so
young. I feel a lot for them. They are born with this deeply
misunderstood infection, and they have to go through tremendous
difficulties. It's not just a physical disease, it's also a social
disease. Taking care of the child as a whole—not only medically, but
also helping with how they cope and how they grow up—that, I think,
is a very fulfilling field of medicine.

TA Report: How many children would you say are HIV positive in
Thailand now?

Dr. Ananworanich: The Thai government reports about 32,000 children
have been infected with HIV, of whom 20,000 are still living, so
about 12,000 have died. But the numbers are probably underreported.
Experts in Thailand feel that the total number of children with HIV
is probably closer to 50,000.

Fortunately we have very few new cases now because programs have
been instituted to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Right now
we probably have up to 600 new cases per year among children. Ten
years ago that number would have been closer to 1,000.

TA Report: TREAT Asia is now in the process of setting up a network
and a database to track the treatment of HIV among children in Asia.
What contributions do you think a TREAT Asia pediatrics network
could make?

Dr. Ananworanich: I think that if TREAT Asia can do for pediatrics
what the network's adult program has been able to do, that would be
great. A lot of information we have on pediatrics comes from Western
countries and it may not apply to children in Asia. Treating
children here in Thailand is very different compared with treating
them in the U.S., and the appropriate regimens and doses may not be
the same.

In Thailand we've gone through tremendous changes since the
beginning of the epidemic when there was hardly any access to HIV
medication. Now we do have access, but the drugs that we have are
not all ideal for children. So we end up using a lot of adult
formulations. Sometimes there are supply interruptions in the stock
provided by the Thai government and we have to use creative measures
to make adult formulations usable for children.

Right now pediatricians are treating kids by using what works for
adults. To have more data through the TREAT Asia group and be able
to share experiences among doctors in Southeast Asia would be very
helpful.

TA Report: Is drug resistance among children with HIV a significant
problem?

Dr. Ananworanich: To follow children with HIV, we employ clinical
exams and CD4 tests—white blood counts. Of course, CD4 is the best
measure we have for clinical outcomes. But even when children are
under treatment, we really don't know whether they are developing
drug resistance unless we know what their viral loads are.

Most of the time when we see children whose treatment is failing
them, it's already too late—by that point they have low CD4 counts
so we must move on to the next salvage regimen. Second-line therapy
or salvage therapy is a big problem now in Thailand, and I think it
will be in other countries in this region unless access to
antiretroviral drugs improves. Because treatments based on non-
nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are the main
first-line regimen, we usually see children with resistance in the
classes of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and
NNRTIs, so we're really left with just protease inhibitors (PIs).
But the ideal dose for children on many PIs is really not known and
the formulation is not ideal for them.

One PI, Kaletra, comes in a liquid formulation and it has the best
data for treatment outcome but it is very expensive. We also don't
have access to Kaletra, so I think this will be the main problem for
us in the future.

TA Report: Are any generic medications being created specifically
for children?

Dr. Ananworanich: We have many generic drugs in Thailand, but in
order to treat the broadest range of patients the generic drug
manufacturers are concentrating on making the NRTI and NNRTI
classes. And in those classes we don't have liquid formulations for
all of the drugs—liquid being the easiest to give children and the
most precise for dosing. So we have to use open capsules or crushed
pills.

For protease inhibitors now we only have nelfinavir, which is
generic. The Thai Government Pharmaceutical Organization is trying
to make other protease inhibitors but they're harder to manufacture
than NRTIs and NNRTIs. If we compare Thailand with other countries
in Africa, they get a much lower price for protease inhibitors and
for other drugs. Thailand is not resource poor enough to qualify for
them, but we're also not rich, so we're in a dilemma because we can
afford the basic drugs but we can't afford beyond that.

TA Report: HIV-NAT was created almost a decade ago in part to
demonstrate that high-level clinical research could be conducted in
Thailand, and by extension in other less developed parts of the
world where HIV/AIDS has become a problem. How successful do you
think this experiment has been?

Dr. Ananworanich: I think it's been very successful. HIV-NAT came
about because of the interest of the three co-directors—Dr. Praphan
Phanuphak of the Thai Red Cross, Dr. Joep Lange of the Netherlands,
and Dr. David Cooper from Australia. Since its start in 1996, HIV-
NAT has grown tremendously from two employees to 80. Currently we
have 27 ongoing studies and we've completed more than 50 others.

The research that HIV-NAT has performed has had an impact on
Thailand's national treatment guidelines. We have shown that certain
drugs can be used in lower doses in Thai patients than in Western
patients. In some instances we can use once-daily dosing instead of
twice-daily. We have also performed advanced research using drugs
that are just coming out in the West and are not available in Asia.
For instance, right now we're conducting research on drugs to treat
people who have developed resistance to other medication. Normally
the patients would not have access to these treatments. Now, because
of our high-level clinical trials and the outcomes data we've
generated, drug companies are more interested in bringing new and
experimental ARVs to HIV-NAT.

HIV-NAT's success, I think, is also a good example for other
organizations because we've shown that effective, high-quality
research can be performed in Asia. But it wasn't easy getting
started. When you have never done research, it's very hard to get
funded. The connection between the Thai Red Cross and the two
international collaborators really helped because Drs. Cooper and
Lange, with their connections, were able to convince funders to
support HIV-NAT. Once we had done a few studies and demonstrated
that we could do a really good job, then we got more funding.

When I first joined HIV-NAT, it was really hard to get funding for
pediatric studies because we didn't have a track record. Now, we
have U.S. National Institutes of Health funding and we have drug
company funding to do studies on children.

TA Report: The number of infections in Thailand is climbing in
certain vulnerable populations, particularly among young people, men
who have sex with men, drug users, and migrant groups. How
significant a problem do you think this could be for Thailand?

Dr. Ananworanich: It's a growing problem of great significance. It's
not just intravenous drug users and migrants, but now it's also
friends who have slept with friends without protection. With young
people, the thinking is that friends are trustworthy and therefore
you don't need protection.

Having premarital sex in Thailand is still frowned upon—it happens
but it's not supposed to—so it's hard to speak honestly to students
and young people who are having unprotected sex. People aren't being
open about it and it's difficult for them to be comfortable using
condoms and going to centers to get protection. I don't think the
country has a clear strategy for how to deal with it.

Public education and prevention efforts here could be better. You
know, we've gone through a lot in Thailand, and over the last ten
years we've done so well fighting HIV and AIDS. But the population I
deal with doesn't have a good knowledge of HIV. A lot of people
still think that it's a death sentence to have HIV. This ignorance
is a huge problem.

TA Report: Do you think the government of Thailand is giving you the
support that you need as a doctor to treat your patients?

Dr. Ananworanich: Yes. Compared to five years ago when I came back
from the States, there has been tremendous improvement in a short
time. And I think the Division of AIDS and the Global Fund are
working very hard to provide support. Right now we have no problem
getting first-line treatment. For second-line treatment, there are
certain drugs we have access to that aren't ideal but they can be
used. And we're probably going to get access to free viral load
testing as part of the government program pretty soon. So in many
regards, we're very fortunate. As a doctor, it's very gratifying to
be able to make a positive difference.

http://www.amfar.org/cgi-bin/iowa/asia/news/index.html?record=80

Dear All,

A Workshop for Business Addressing HIV/AIDS in China
Sponsored by

United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD),
The Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GBC China), and the
China Business Council for Sustainable Development (CBCSD)

Date:    30 March 2006 (Thursday)
Time:    9:00 --- 12:30 followed by lunch
Venue:   Kerry Center, Beijing


Does your company do business in China?  If so, it will almost
inevitably face the issue of HIV/AIDS in the workplace and in the
community in which it operates.  Perhaps it will affect your ability
to find and retain a productive workforce.  Perhaps it will affect
the market for your products.  According to UNAIDS and the Chinese
Ministry of Heath, HIV and AIDS cases in China continue to rise.
Therefore, intensified and sustained multi sector prevention efforts
are needed to stop the further spread of HIV and to keep the overall
HIV prevalence in China low.   How can business respond?  What
responses are expected?  Are they appropriate for China?  Will these
responses need to differ from those in South Asia and Southeast
Asian countries? If so, in what ways?  Like everything else in
China, policies and practices in this area are changing rapidly.
This half-day workshop will provide:

o An update on current Chinese government views about
HIV/AIDS and the role of business
o A review of potential workplace policies to deal with
issues such as education, testing, confidentiality, non-
discrimination and medications
o A review of current approaches to community concerns and
practices
o Practical experience and suggestions of Companies working
in China who are dealing with these issues now
o A toolkit providing key data and contact information
regarding organizations in China which deal with HIV/AIDS¡Xtheir
focus areas, services and access points.
o Networking opportunities with WBCSD, GBC, and HIV/AIDS
policy and education service providers.

Building on the momentum created by the Conference of the Global
Compact (December 2005), The China Business Summit of the World
Economic Forum (September 2005) and Joint Summit on Business and
AIDS in China (March 2005), this workshop will be made as practical
as possible, so that participants come away with real, workable
approaches to formulate and manage their individual company
programs.  Please indicate on the attached reply form if you will be
able to participate, in what capacity, and if you will join for the
lunch following.  If you have specific questions you would like to
have addressed during the workshop, please indicate them in the
space provided.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Should you have any questions about the Workshop,
please contact
Edmund Settle at UNDP (+86 10 6532 3731 ext 296,
E-mail: edmund.settle@...

Workshop Agenda


9:00 am  Welcome Remarks
		 Howard Klee, Program Director for Sustainable
                 Health Systems
                 World Business Council for Sustainable Development

9:10 am  Key Note Speaker
		 Professor Wu Zunyou
                 Director National Center for AIDS  Prevention and  Control
                 The role of business in a multi-sector response to HIV/AIDS in
China


9:25 am  Constance Thomas
		 Director, International Labour Organization (ILO)
¡V China office
		 Policy environment for business
involvement in HIV/AIDS


9:40 am  Michel Hermann
		 Humana People to People
		 Business Response in Asia, including South Asia
and Southeast Asia


10:00 am  Coffee Break


10:30 am  Michael Shiu
Director, Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, China office
HIV/AIDS workplace policy development, moving forward and what have
we learned?


10:45 am  Short Video: ¡§Da Da Fang Fang¡¨ (Talking Sex)
		 Workplace HIV/AIDS education programs by a service
provider


11:00 am   Roundtable Discussion ¡V Practical policies and Experience
	   Michael Shiu, Global Business Coalition on
HIV/AIDS
(Moderator)
          Kenneth Legins, Chief , HIV/AIDS Programme, UNICEF, China
office
           William Valentino, General Manager Corporate
Communications, Bayer
	 Felicia Pullam, Consultant CSR, APCO Worldwide
	 Lyn Kok, Head Financial Institutions, Standard Charter Bank
	 Annapurna Vancheswaran TERI (India)


12:30 pm  Lunch



Reply Form

HIV/AIDS in China Today Workshop
Fax to +86-10 6532 2567 or email
Attention:  Edmund Settle
edmund.settle@...
________________________

I will attend the workshop on March 30
I will attend the lunch after the Workshop on March 30


Name       _______________________________
	   Last,                        First

Company ________________________________


Telephone ________________________________


Mobile    _________________________________


E-mail    ___________________________________

Questions You Would Like to Have Addressed Regarding Business Action
on HIV/AIDS:
  ___________________________________

  ___________________________________

  ___________________________________

  ___________________________________

  ___________________________________

Opportunity for input: Consultation on the participation of civil society in the
processes related to the HIV/AIDS UNGASS Declaration of Commitment at country
level

Dear friends/colleagues:

The International Council of AIDS Service Organizations (ICASO) is
undertaking a project entitled: 'STORIES FROM THE FRONTLINES:

LESSONS LEARNT IN THE INVOLVEMENT OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN THE MONITORING AND
REPORTING PROCESS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNGASS DECLARATION OF
COMMITMENT'.

Almost five years ago, under the heading of 'Global Crisis- Global
Action', the United Nations General Assembly held an unprecedented special
session on HIV/AIDS (UNGASS) - the first time the General Assembly ever
addressed a specific health issue. The resulting UNGASS Declaration of
Commitment (DoC) signed by all UN Member States provided a comprehensive
framework to halt and to reverse the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2010, and included
specific and measurable milestones for 2003, 2005 and 2010.

Five years after its adoption, governments are being called to report on
progress they have made toward implementing these promises. Paragraph 94 of the
DoC calls for civil society involvement in the national periodic reviews of the
progress achieved in realizing these commitments, to identify problems and
obstacles to achieving progress, and to ensure wide
dissemination of the results of these reviews.

This project aims to compile information on how civil society organizations
(CSOs) have participated in the UNGASS DoC-related reporting processes at
country level.


The output of this consultation will be a report highlighting lessons learnt on
how CSOs have monitored and reported on the implementation of the DoC. The
consultation will look at the involvement (or not) of CSOs in the preparation
and discussion of the national official (government-led) report, and the
participation of CSOs in civil society-led monitoring and reporting initiatives.

Your stories will inspire and interest others to mobilize and advocate for more
civil society involvement in the response
to HIV. The aim is that we all share, learn from and replicate the
positive processes and experiences in other countries in the coming years.

The Stories from the Frontlines will highlight best practices, success stories,
as well as barriers, challenges and opportunities faced in participating in the
UNGASS reporting process. It will include stories from civil society actors and
organizations from all regions of the world in order to capture differences in
national experiences.

Stories will be collected through an electronic consultation in 4 languages
(English, French, Spanish and Russian). Civil society organizations worldwide
are invited to send us their experiences. These could be success stories or
challenges. Please send your responses before April 7, 2006 to ungass@....

Below are some questions to help guide you in your responses. There are  two
scenarios for this consultation.

The first one deals with the involvement of civil society in the government-led
reporting process. The second scenario deals with civil society monitoring and
reporting 'outside' the government-led process (shadow reports).

If you participated in both scenarios, please complete both parts.

There is a third part with overall general questions, which apply to both
scenarios. You do not need to answer the questions in order.

Although these questions have been designed to guide your response, please feel
free to add as much information as you want. Include your contact information
(email and phone number) as well as your organization and country.

Please also indicate if you authorize ICASO to use/publish your name and your
organizational affiliation. Depending on the number of words submitted, ICASO
will edit your contribution, but you will have a chance to review it before it
gets published.

We thank you in advance for your participation.

PART A: SCENARIO 1: Involvement in government-led reporting process.
Were you (individually or your organization) involved in any way with the
official (government-led) UNGASS reporting process in 2005? If yes, please
provide detailed information about your experience.

Please include answers to:

a) Were you contacted/invited by the government authority or did you have to
contact them/take the initiative?

b) What was the process used by the government to collect the data and was it
inclusive of civil society input?

c) Did the UNAIDS country office (or UN-theme group) play a role? Explain

d) Did the methodology to collect data/seek input included meetings of
stakeholders? Who was invited/included? How many meetings were organized?

e) Who was responsible for writing the report?

f) How was the consultation process carried out once the report was
drafted? Were there consultations with stakeholders? Was there an
opportunity to provide input?

g) Was the input provided by civil society taken into account in the final
report submitted to UNAIDS? Did you get a copy of this report?


PART B: SCENARIO 2: Involvement in monitoring/reporting "outside" the
government-led process.

Were you (individually or your organization) involved in any way in
monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the DoC outside the
government-led process? If yes, please provide detailed information about your
experience. Please include answers to:


a) Was this involvement part of a larger/multi-country project?

b) Did the initiative produce a 'shadow' report? Is the report available? What
format have you used to present the information? (cases studies,theme/topic
based, etc)

c) How have you used the report?

d) What methodology/process was used to collect and validate the
data/information? What data did you collect? Who was involved? Which
sectors were included as 'key informants' or participants?

e) What role, if any, did the UNAIDS country office (or UN-theme group) play?

f) What was the reaction of the government (if any) to your initiative? Did any
government official participate?

g) Did other NGOs/CBOs/CSOs participate in the process?

h) Was this report (or the information therein) in any way incorporated into the
official government-led report?

PART C:

1) What are some of the barriers/challenges that you faced in any or both of the
above scenarios? How did you overcome them?

2) What are your recommendations for:
a. More involvement of civil society in monitoring/reporting initiatives
b. More effective civil society-led monitoring/reporting initiatives

3) What are your major lessons learnt/recommendations for CSOs that would like
to get involved in these monitoring/reporting processes in the years to come? We
look forward to hearing your story.

Thank you, in anticipation, for your cooperation.

International Council of AIDS Service Organizations (ICASO)
65 Wellesley St. E., Suite 403
Toronto, ON M4Y 1G7
CANADA
Tel: 1-416-921-0018
Fax: 1-416-921-9979
Web site: www.icaso.org
E-mail: <icaso@...>

COUNTRY REPORT: DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA

East Asia and Pacific Regional Consultation on Children and HIV/AIDS
Hanoi, Viet Nam 22 – 24 March 2006

National Report of the DPR of Korea  on Activities for Control and
Prevention of HIV/AIDS

The Activities for Control and Prevention of HIV/AIDS

AIDS cases were first reported in 1981. Since then, AIDS has rapidly
spread throughout the world making it one of global issues with very
serious socio-economic nature.

It becomes one of the biggest problems in the world as it gives rise
to the ever-increasing numbers of orphans bereaved of parents.

This HIV/AIDS situation which becomes more and more serious day
after day urgently demands the international community to take a
thorough measure to prevent its epidemic.

Taking into account the potential danger of infiltration of HIV,
which takes the life of a number of adults and children in different
regions and countries of the world, threatens human resources and
puts an obstacle to socio-economic development of the country, DPR
of Korea has prepared the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Strategy
to respond effectively and makes every effort to implement it.

The DPR of Korea has not yet reported HIV/AIDS. However, the
worldwide issue of HIV/AIDS which becomes more serious demands us to
pay close attention to it.

Comrade Kim Jong Il, the great leader of the Korean people is very
much concerned about the prevention of HIV/AIDS entry into our
country and gives meticulous guidance to this work.

The government of the DPR of Korea mapped up the HIV/AIDS prevention
and control strategy and is implementing it, directing its deep
attention to HIV/AIDS prevention.

The Constitution of the DPR of Korea, Public Health Law, Law on Sex
Equality, Family Law, Law on the Nursing and Upbringing of Children,
Law on Education legally guarantees the health and well-being of
women and children and a system was established to take care of them
at the expense of the state in the DPR of Korea.

As a result of establishment of socialist way of life in all sectors
of social life, a socialist ethical and moral standard, sound and
noble, is being pursued in all aspects of individual life as well as
collective life such as marriage, family life and sexual relations.

In addition to it, traditional way of life and customs handed down
from generation to generation has a positive influence on the
establishment of sound social moral standard among people.

In our country, young people are well aware of their missions and
duties they assume before the state and society by being engaged in
the various forms of education network and socio-political
organizations and strive for building a strong and prosperous
country with their wisdom and enthusiasm.

In the country, social and economical policies to promote women
actively take part in the social productive labour have been
adopted, which have contributed to sustain the equality of the sexes
in the true sense of works.

The children have been called the "Kings" in the country  and
brought up and educated free by national policies.

It could be noted that all these things described above become
positive factors not to develop and prevail HIV/AIDS cases in the
country.

However, in respect of the epidemiological nature of HIV/AIDS and
V.D, which are wide spread in different regions and countries, and
the current global trends of rapidly increasing cases of HIV
infections, it is required to take the effective preventive measures
against it with strict precaution, not being satisfied with current
situation of zero HIV infected case in the country.

Especially, dramatically increased number of cases of HIV infection
in the neighboring countries indicates that there is constant risk
of importation of HIV and that it is urgently required to take more
effective measures to respond on it.

Accordingly there exists the comprehensive system for prevention and
control of HIV/AIDS in DPR Korea, including strategy system of
information and IEC system, which successfully contribute to the
purpose.

From the outset the HIV/AIDS cases were reported in the world, the
DPR of Korea organized National HIV/AIDS Prevention Commission,
established HIV testing labs in every provincial anti-epidemic
station including the central one as well as blood centers, main
border cities and counties and port quarantine stations to make a
thorough test on HIV/AIDS.

From the end of 1980s to nowadays, annually approximately 50,000
have been tested on HIV, of which no HIV positive have been found
among the nationals, while some foreigners were found HIV positive
and had returned to their home country which have experience of care
and treatment of such cases at their requests.

Current National HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Strategy
The DPR of Korea maintains following strategic principles in the
prevention and control of HIV/AIDS.

• To promote the social education to establish the sound cultural
and ethical norm in all aspects of life
• To establish the nationwide effective epidemiological HIV/AIDS
surveillance system so as to implement the proper preventive and
control activities to respond to the global HIV/AIDS situation.
• To inform the incidence, the epidemiological treatment and
prevention of AIDS in various regions and countries as well as to
strengthen exchange and cooperation.

The Government of DPR of Korea has conducted various activities for
prevention of HIV/AIDS on the basis of the above strategic
principles.

On the one hand, it has intensified the activities of all relevant
institutions and branches of the society centering on the Ministry
of Public Health (MoPH) and on the other hand, continued the
activity for prevention and control of HIV/AIDS on the nationwide
scale.

Meetings of representatives from all relevant institutions which
take part in the national HIV/AIDS prevention and control campaign
are held and various kinds of activities for HIV/AIDS prevention are
conducted in each organization or jointly.

The DPRK has a well-regulated network of health education ranging
from the central to the grassroots levels on a nationwide scale
making possible various IEC activities for improving awareness of
the communities on HIV/AIDS to be launched with different styles and
methods.

National workshops are organized to contribute to greater capacity
building of relevant personnel.

In addition, all therapeutic and preventive institutions are
regularly conducting HIV/AIDS testing for all patients and
populations of the concerned communities.

Issues confronted in control and prevention of HIV/AIDS
As no AIDS case and HIV infected case has been identified in the
country up to now, information and education related with HIV/AIDS
has been conducted passively without targeting entire population.

HIV/AIDS education is limited to the educational facilities for
professionals such as medical universities and colleges.
Furthermore, the information on HIV/AIDS only includes the basic
information like the route of infection, general symptoms and
available preventive measure, without offering comprehensive
knowledge such as the characteristic nature of HIV infection
transferring to AIDS case, various clinical types and global
achievements of treatment and care of HIV/AIDS cases as well as the
world trends of research work on HIV/AIDS.

IEC activities for the population and children also contain limited
information on HIV/AIDS and the things are same in counseling for
clients attending the service delivery facilities such as hospital
and clinics

As result, awareness of HIV/AIDS among population and children is on
a low level and in case of health professionals who have completed
the formal education they are lacking knowledge of whole range of
issues involved in HIV/AIDS.

Currently HIV/AIDS surveillances are being implemented by the health
workers responsible for the contagious disease surveillance in the
Anti-epidemic facilities under the national health system.

As the country has not seen a single HIV positive case and AIDS
patient, the material and technical foundation to respond
effectively to the importation of HIV/AIDS is not sufficient.

It is important to access the HIV surveillance to the periphery.

And the integrated HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control system should be
existed, involving all the relevant government and non-government
agencies and communities, including Ministry of Public Health.

So far HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control activities have only been
implemented among the public health sector, especially in the anti-
epidemic establishments, which gave the understanding that  this
issue is only limited to the health sector.

Positive conditions to implement the HIV/AIDS and STI Prevention and
Control activities

There are some favorable conditions to implement HIV/AIDS and
venereal disease Prevention and Control in nationwide scale in DPR
of Korea

From central to the periphery there exists well-organized health
care system where professionally educated health workers are working.

In addition to this, predominant section doctor system could also be
attributable to the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control activities.

In the central provincial levels, there are universities and
colleges of medicine producing a number of health professionals
every year.

There are also departments responsible for the health education for
general public in the central and provincial levels, which the
county level has the designated health workers for this purpose.

All the population including the young people is enrolled in the
social communities and organizations, which make it possible to
educate them through social education network..

Strategy plan to strengthen the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control
activities.

Effective and reliable HIV/AIDS and venereal disease surveillance
system will be established.

• Monitoring and reporting system of epidemiological information and
surveillance on HIV/AIDS and venereal disease will be established
from national level down to the bottom.
• Keeping the principles of accessing the HIV/AIDS surveillance to
the periphery, HIV testing facilities will be expanded from the
important counties and cities including those in the bordering areas
to the whole areas in the country so as to complete nationwide
surveillance system.
• Epidemiological surveillance shall be intensified on all blood
institutions and units in order to prevent the spread of AIDS virus
through blood and blood items and the system of testing AIDS virus
will be reinforced and expanded.
• Target population for HIV testing will be strictly identified and
promoted to take part in the HIV test voluntarily.
• Competent health workers shall be trained for effective HIV/AIDS
Prevention and Control activities.
• Equipment, reagents and supplies required for the existing and
newly opened HIV testing centers shall be adequately upgraded and
reinforced.
• Education will be intensified by means of propaganda through
newspaper, broadcasting, press and publications and social
organizations to establish a sound moral way of life all over the
society.
• Schools on every level will give education on HIV/AIDS and
venereal disease in conformity with the characteristics of students.
• Equipment and supplies for monitoring of HIV/AIDS prevention and
control shall be provided.
• International cooperation and exchange shall be developed in
realizing the target of HIV/AIDS prevention and control.

In the future, too, the DPR of Korea will continue to thoroughly
carry out the policy for HIV/AIDS prevention so that it will remain
HIV/AIDS - free country forever.

Invitation:  International Conference on Opportunistic Pathogens in AIDS in New
Delhi

The Organizing Committee of International Conference on Opportunistic Pathogens
in AIDS is pleased to invite the members of media and free lance mediacl
journalists on the occasion of its inauguration and proceedings from March
27-29, 2006.

The scientific programme and name of dignitaries are enclosed herewith. For more
details and scientific programme and inauguration,

please log on to the conference websitewww.icopa-india.org

In this conference a galaxy of AIDS specialists and care givers as well as those
who are responsible for early diagnosis and monitoring of HIV and associated
infections will discuss these issues in depth. The conference is being
inaugurated by Dr. Samlee Plianbangchang, Director, World Health Organization,
South East Asia Region, and Dr. R K Srivastava, Director General of Health
Services, Govt. of India. The Medical Superintendent of AIIMS Hospital, Dr. D K
Sharma welcomed the delegates, while Pandam Vibhushan Prof. P N Tandon,
delivered Key Note Address on Opportunistic

Infections in AIDS. Dr. Sarman Singh, Chairman, Organizing Committee of the
ICOPA-India gave customary Vote of Thanks.

   The special feature of the conference was that it was attended by delegates
from far north-east India,  Malaysia, Thailand and many African countries like
Ghana, Nigeria, Mozambique, where HIV is highly prevalent. Beside these
participants the experts who are delivering lectures and discussing their
experiences include Prof. Lagrange of France, Prof. Patricia Price of Australia,
Prof. Paul Griffiths of UK, Prof. GP Talwar, Prof. NK Mehra, Prof. Kamal
Buckshee, Prof. Kshirsagar, Prof. JK Maniar, Prof. Udwadia and IS Gilada from
Bombay, Prof. N M Samuel and Prof. Subhashree Raghavan from Chennai, Prof. S C
Parija from Pondicherry, Prof. Dilip Mathai from Vellore, Dr. SK Bhattachrya
Director, National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Calcutta, Dr. VM
Katoch, Director, JALMA, Agra, Dr. P Das, Director, RMRI, Patna,  Dr. Paranjape,
Director, NARI, Pune, among others

   Beside doctors and scientists, several HIV positive patients have also been
provided scholarships to attend this conference with free travel, lodging and
boarding with support from Association for Better health And Society (ABHAS), an
NGO.


Dr. Sarman Singh, MD. Head, Division of Clinical Microbiology Department of
Laboratory Medicine All India Institute of Medical Sciences
P.O. Box. 4938 Ansari Nagar New Delhi-110 029 India
Phone: 2659 4977, 2659 4764, 2658 8484 Fax: 2658-8663, 2658 8641
Email: "Dr. Sarman Singh" <ssingh56@...>

Conference websitewww.icopa-india.org

Hanoi Call to Action for Children and HIV/AIDS
In East Asia and Pacific Region

24 March 2006

Introduction

We, government delegates from countries throughout East Asia and the
Pacific, civil society representatives, under-18 delegates and
international partners met in Hanoi, 22-24 March 2006, with the aim
of galvanizing greater commitment to, and action for, children under
18 years of age who are vulnerable to, infected and affected by
HIV/AIDS.

We recognize and are concerned with the complex, far-reaching and
growing impact of HIV/AIDS on children in East Asia and the Pacific.
These effects include: childhood HIV infection and loss of life; the
loss of parents and other caregivers; pervasive stigma and
discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS; missed opportunities for
education; health care and other essential support and services; the
deepening poverty of households affected by HIV/AIDS; and the
disease burden on the region's economies and its future
generations.

As HIV/AIDS spreads in East Asia and the Pacific, there is a growing
recognition of the need to include children in the HIV/AIDS
response. We commend countries in this region that have undertaken
assessments to look at the circumstances of children in relation to
HIV/AIDS; that are expanding access to pediatric antiretroviral
treatment and care; that are pursuing prevention strategies for
children and young people at risk; and, that are promoting care and
support for orphans and vulnerable children.

We recognize that information on the circumstances and numbers of
children vulnerable to, infected and affected by HIV/AIDS is
extremely limited and therefore hampering effective planning and an
adequate, evidence-based response. We acknowledge with concern that
in this  region, response to children who are vulnerable to,
infected and affected by HIV/AIDS thus far have been inadequate.
Many children at risk are unaware of how to protect themselves from
HIV/AIDS and do not have access to needed information, services and
commodities. Most children living with HIV/AIDS do not know their
HIV status and do not have access to needed, care, support and
treatment services. Much needed support is only available to a small
minority of children orphaned and otherwise affected by HIV/AIDS,
and affected households are becoming impoverished with limited
assistance to improve their livelihoods.

We accept the importance and mandate of global commitments made to
date for children and HIV/AIDS. We reaffirm our commitment to the
Millennium Development Goals and recognize that their full
achievement will not be possible without addressing the HIV/AIDS
epidemic and its impact on children. We reaffirm our commitment to
goals set for children at the Special Sessions of the United Nations
General Assembly on HIV/AIDS in 2001 and on Children in 2002.

We firmly support the Initiative called for at the 2005 G8
Gleneagles Summit and the United Nations World Summit, and resolved
by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2005 to rapidly
accelerate the reach of essential HIV/AIDS services.  We recognize
the crucial significance of this initiative for children and their
families.

We reaffirm our obligation to take action to promote and protect the
rights of each child – i.e., every human being below the age of 18
years.  We are determined to respect the dignity and to secure the
well being of all children, including those vulnerable to, infected
and affected by HIV/AIDS.  We acknowledge that the Convention on the
Rights of the Child, the most widely ratified human rights treaty in
history, as well as the Optional Protocols thereto and other
international instruments relevant to children contain comprehensive
international legal standards for the protection and well-being of
children.

We affirm the "Three Ones" principle - one action framework, one
coordinating authority and one monitoring and evaluation system - to
achieve the most effective and efficient HIV/AIDS response.  We
contend that all efforts in support of children vulnerable to,
infected and affected by HIV/AIDS must respect and promote this
framework.

Over three days, we gathered in Hanoi to undertake a critical review
of the status of children under 18 years of age who are vulnerable
to, infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in East Asia and the Pacific
and to plan for scaling up prevention, treatment, care and support
throughout the region.  As part of this plan we call on all
governments, civil society members and international partners to
take up the following action agenda.

We urgently call for:

1. Country level analysis of the situation of children and
HIV/AIDS supported by improved methods and guidelines - with
quantitative estimates of children vulnerable to, infected and
affected by HIV/AIDS and qualitative assessment of their
circumstances - to guide efforts to plan, strengthen and scale up
the response.

2. Assessment of existing legislation, policies and guidelines
for the protection, support and care of children vulnerable to,
infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and to update and/or develop
additional policies and guidelines as required.

3. Based on these assesments and with accelerated efforts
targeted specifically for children, the development of country-
specific targets and locally defined action plans for scaling up the
responses for: primary HIV prevention; the prevention of maternal to
child transmission; HIV testing and counseling; pediatric and adult
antiretroviral treatment; family-oriented clinical care;
psychosocial support and child and family protection services.

4. Increased resource mobilization and improved resource
allocation and utilization to close the gap between what is
currently available and what is needed for an adequate response to
children vulnerable to, infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

5. Establishment of national-level multi-sectoral mechanisms
that focus on child welfare and development, help to coordinate the
scaled up response and promote an inclusive approach at all levels
that involves the public sector, civil society, religious leaders,
and children and young people.

6. The reduction of HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination,
financial barriers and other obstacles to enable access for all
children to essential services, including an uninterrupted  basic
education, health care and other social welfare services.

7. Expanded efforts to protect children and provide them with
the most family-like care environment and ensure that institutional
care is used for children without caregivers only as a temporary
measure or option of last resort.

8. National monitoring of the situation of children vulnerable
to, infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, and of progress made in
expanding the response.

9. Strengthened and enhanced coordination in regional and
international cooperation on networking, information sharing and
research to scale up the response

In issuing this Call to Action we urge governments, international
partners and civil society to ensure the active and meaningful
participation of children as we scale up our collective response.


Conclusion:

We, as individuals and members of government and partner
organizations pledge to urgently use and invest in this Call to
Action as an integral part of scaling up towards universal access.
In preparation of the United Nations General Assembly in June 2006,
we pledge to give this Call to Action the widest possible publicity,
to urge its acceptance and to support its implementation in order to
achieve country specific targets and improve the lives of children
vulnerable to, infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

We recommend that this Call to Action be brought to the attention of
Heads of State/Governments. As a first step, we recommend that this
Call to Action be presented at the forthcoming Association of South
East Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting in Manila, Philippines. We
therefore request the Government of Viet Nam in consultation with
the Government of the Philippines and other ASEAN member states to
facilitate this action.

We thank the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, the Commission for
Population, Family and Children, UNICEF, UNAIDS, WHO, the United
States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief including support
through USAID, Family Health International and Save the Children for
organizing this regional consultation. We contend however that the
true success of this Consultation can only be measured after we
leave Hanoi in the results achieved for children in East Asia and
the Pacific.

Dear FORUM,

14th IUSTI Asia-Pacific International Conference on Sexually Transmitted
Infections and HIV/AIDS, 27th-30th July, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

For further details, visit http://www.iustiap.com/

--
Dr Brian P Mulhall
Senior Staff Specialist
North Coast Area Health Service
Sexual Health Clinic 916
Locked Mail Bag 812
Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450
Australia

Clinical Senior Lecturer
School of Public Health
University of Sydney NSW 2006
mobile 041 393 6014
fax +6143-601443
email: brianm@...

Dear AIDS ASIA e FORUM subscribers,

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INTERVIEW-Asia must educate young on HIV, stop discrimination

22 Mar 2006 02:15:11 GMTSource: Reuters

By Peter Apps COLOMBO, March 22 (Reuters) - Asia must break down
taboos about sex and stop discrimination if it is to halt the
world's fastest growing HIV rates, an expert warns, with half of all
new cases in the continent aged between 14 and 24. Professor Myung-
Hwan Cho, President of the AIDS Society of Asia and the Pacific,
said Asia's 8.3 million HIV cases were dwarfed by Africa's 23
million, but that the disease was spreading faster in Asia than
anywhere else in the world.

"In Asia, preventing the disease is particularly difficult for
cultural reasons," he told Reuters late on Tuesday at the launch of
a major international conference on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific to
be held in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo next year. "Talking about
sex is taboo. Educating people to use condoms is difficult," he said.

"But we need to educate young people. Fifty percent of all people
infected in Asia last year were aged between 14 and 24." Most
seriously affected were Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia and
India, he said, with some five million of India's one billion
population now believed to be HIV positive. China officially had
some 800,000 with HIV, he said, although the real figure could be
much higher.

"The Chinese government do not want to speak out," said the Korean
scientist, whose group includes a range of AIDS bodies and
professional associations. "But there are many intravenous drug
users. In south China in particular, the HIV rate is very high."

Reducing the stigma attached to HIV was crucial in encouraging
people to come forward and talk about the disease, he said. In many
parts of the region, admitting HIV positive status can leave a whole
family as social pariahs. "Refusal of employment, refusal of
healthcare and refusing of education for children," he said.

"I appeal to attorney generals and human rights commissions to push
for legislation to make this illegal." Sri Lanka, which currently
has one of the lowest HIV rates in Asia, also had to be aware of the
risks if it was to avoid following India, he said. Sri Lanka has
currently identified 743 HIV cases out of a population of 20
million, but officials believe the real number is nearer 5,000.

But although Asia would find it difficult to stem the spread of AIDS
in the next decade, Myung-Hwan Cho said he believed the continent
would avoid the adult infection rates of 20-40 percent seen in some
parts of southern Africa such as Swaziland and Lesotho. "It's hard
to say if will reach that point of 20-30 percent," he said. "I hope
we will not. The situation here is difficult. The economies are
better than in Africa and there is less political turmoil."

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/COL249684.htm