A coalition aiming to address HIV- related vulnerabilities of men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Asia and Pacific region was launched here Wednesday at the 8th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and Pacific (ICAAP).
The Asia Pacific Coalition on Male Sexual Health (APCOM), a coalition of civil society groups, government representatives and the United Nations system, plans to increase investment and research, as well as promote individual rights of the MSM and transgenders.
"Male to male sex is being treated as if it does not exist. The reality is male to male sex occurs in all countries and cultures," said Prasada Rao, Director of UNAIDS Regional Support Team in Asia.
Despite evidence establishing male-to-male sex as one driving force of HIV transmission in Asia and Pacific region, relatively few MSM interventions strategically focus on prevention, treatment, care and support for MSM and transgender populations.
It is estimated by many groups, including UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS), that targeted prevention programs reach less than 8 percent of the MSM although up to one third of all HIV cases in the Asia-Pacific region are transmitted via sex between males.
The ACPOM will identify and facilitate the provision of technical assistance, as well as convene governments, researchers, donors and civil society organizations to collaborate in initiating responses to prevent and treat HIV, improve sexual health, and reduce stigma and discrimination.
"We can only truly address the challenge of HIV, as well as confront stigma, discrimination, violence and social exclusion of MSM and transgenders, if we all work together in our collective, region wide struggle," stated Shivananda Khan, APCOM interim chair.
UNAIDS, UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) and UNESCO will support the APCOM as technical advisors.
Source: Xinhua
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