UNAIDS acts to strengthen ‘GIPA’ with new policy

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...

Supporting the active engagement of people living with HIV in the AIDS response is one of UNAIDS’ most important goals. UNAIDS is seeking to revitalize commitments to GIPA - the greater involvement of people living with HIV - with a new policy brief. The policy seeks to ensure the GIPA commitment of 1994 has relevance to governments, civil society and international donors in global, regional and country AIDS responses for 2007 and beyond.

Read more
Download UNAIDS Policy Brief

AIDS Commission for Asia meets in Manila

(Click photo to enlarge)

Dr. Chakravarthi Rangarajan, the Chairman of the Commission on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific, and Chief Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister of India, will be speaking on the highlights of the Southeast Asia Sub-Regional Workshop which will be held in Manila on 29-30 March 2007.

The Commission on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific was officially constituted on 15 July 2006 in New Delhi. India and brings together 10 of Asia and the Pacific’s leading economists, policy makers, public health experts, and civil society representatives working on AIDS. The goal of this Commission is to generate strong evidence-based policy recommendations to guide and mobilize leaders and governments to urgently respond to the AIDS epidemic.

The sub-regional workshop, which has been convened by the Commission on AIDS in Asia, will serve as the forum for Commission members to learn about the field challenges and country experiences in the response to AIDS, and also to solicit views from country stakeholders regarding key policy issues on AIDS. Countries participating in the Workshop include:

• Cambodia
• China
• Laos
• Myanmar
• Philippines
• Thailand
• Viet Nam

The press conference is part of the two-day Southeast Asia Sub-regional Workshop of the Commission on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific.

WHEN: Friday, 30 March 2007
10:30 – 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Board Room 3
New World Renaissance Hotel Makati
Makati Avenue corner Esperanza Street, Makati City

SPEAKERS: Dr. Charavarthi Rangarajan
Chairman of the Commission on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific
Chief Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister of India

JVR Prasada Rao
Director, UNAIDS Regional Support Team for Asia and the Pacific
Member Secretary, Commission on AIDS in Asia

Frika Chai Iskandar
Co-chair, Asia-Pacific Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (APN+)
Member, Commission on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific

CONTACT: Dr. Ma. Elena F. Borromeo
UNAIDS Country Coordinator
Tel: (63-2) 901-0412

For more information about UNAIDS, please visit www.unaids.org

RP, UN sign agreement to address HIV/AIDS among OFWs

Source: Balita.Org

The Philippine government and the United Nation System on Wednesday signed a Letter of Understanding on the Joint Program on HIV (Human Immuno Virus) and Migration to address the growing problem of HIV-infected overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and Sunseta Mukherjie, United Nation Population Fund representative, signed the agreement in behalf of the Philippine government and the UN, respectively.

Read more here.

Related News:
AIDS ravaging OFWs - Manila Times
RP: ‘HIV ravaging overseas workers’ - Philippine Daily Inquirer

Together against TB and HIV

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...

The lethal combination of TB and HIV will be highlighted on this year’s World TB Day 24th March. TB is a leading cause of death among people living with HIV––and the weakened immune system caused by HIV makes people living with HIV at greatly increased risk of developing TB disease.

Read more
Read UN Special Envoy to Stop TB interview
Read TB Anywhere is TB Everywhere
Statements on World TB Day
Photo Gallery of press launch

International Women’s Day: Ending Impunity for Violence Against Women

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...

During a visit to Bangkok, Thailand, UNAIDS Executive Director met with the Prime Minister of Thailand and celebrated International Women’s Day with the Executive Secretary of United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and with Ms. Joana Merlin-Scholtes, the United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Thailand.

View Photo Gallery.

Read UNAIDS Executive Director's statement

International Women’s Day: an interview with Purnima Mane

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...

On International Women’s Day, Purnima Mane, UNAIDS Director of Policy, Evidence and Partnerships and a renowned expert in gender issues tells us about women and AIDS and how violence against women increases women’s risk to HIV.

Read more.

View feature documentary "Women are 2… Finding Solutions" (new window)

Rock star’s legacy helps children living with HIV

Updates from the UNAIDS Website...

Cazuza, one of Brazil's best-known solo artists, died in 1990 of an AIDS-related illness in Rio de Janeiro at the age of 32. Today, 65 children living with HIV are being supported by Sociedade Viva Cazuza, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children living with HIV which is funded by royalties from his songs. Read more.

8th ICAAP New Deadlines

ABSTRACTS DEADLINE – NOW EXTENDED TO 10th MARCH, 2007
The LOC has decided to extend the deadline to 10th March for the submission of abstracts and proposals in order to allow greater participation from the region. We welcome both scientific and experience based abstracts as well as proposals for Skills Building Workshops and Cultural Performances. For more information on submission guidelines and to submit an abstract or proposal please visit http://www.icaap8.lk/absMain.html

SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAMME – NOW EXTENDED TO 10th MARCH, 2007
The 8th ICAAP is committed to increasing the participation of those who require a voice in order to bring about “Waves of Change - Waves of Hope”. In order to allow people more time we have extended the deadline to 10th March.

IMPORTANT – please remember to post or courier your Letter of Recommendation to reach us by 10th March. Applications without a letter of recommendation will not be considered.

For more information on scholarships and to apply for a scholarship please visit http://www.icaap8.lk/scholarshipsMain.html

EXHIBITIONS & SATELLITES
The 8th ICAAP will provide a unique opportunity for organisations involved in the local, regional and global response to showcase their experiences, products and services through commercial and non-commercial booths. Non-Governmental and Community Based Organisations, PLWH groups, International NGOs, foundations/trusts, CSR projects, academic institutions, donors, government and political bodies, pharmaceutical companies will all be eligible to participate.

For information on booking an exhibition space or a satellite meeting please visit the website at http://www.icaap8.lk/ExhibitionsMain.html or email us at exhibitions@icaap8.lk or satellites@icaap8.lk respectively.

The Global Fund now calls for proposals for Round 7

The Global Fund now calls for proposals for Round 7

http://www.theglobalfund.org/en/apply/call7

Le Fonds Mondial lance aujourd'hui un appel à propositions pour la septième série d’octroi de subventions
http://www.theglobalfund.org/fr/apply/call7

UN Joint Programme seeks Programme Associate

The Office of the Representative of the United Nations Population Fund, Manila and the concurrent Managing Agent of the Joint UN Programme on HIV and Migration is seeking applications from competent candidates to fill the post of PROGRAMME ASSOCIATE (PA)FOR THE JOINT UN PROGRAMME ON HIV AND MIGRATION.

Download Terms of Reference and Application Process here.

UN conducts Joint Programme Planning Workshop

The Joint UN Programme on HIV and Migration team conducted a two day workshop (27-28 February) at the UNFPA and UNDP conference rooms which aimed to finalize the details (the project sites, target beneficiaries and AWP for three years) of the Joint UN Programme document.

The lead implementing partners (DOLE, headed by Assistant Secretary Ma.Teresa Soriano together with OSHC, OWWA and POEA, and DOH headed by Dr. Mario Baquilod together with NASPCP and BHIC), representative from the HIV positive community (Pinoy Plus) and NEDA and the UN agencies (UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO, ILO, IOM, UNDP and UNAIDS) attended the said workshop. Ms. Suneeta Mukherjee (UNFPA) welcomed the participants; and Mr. Kyo Naka (UNDP) gave a short message.

The workshop outputs include:

• Project sites identified (based on the OWWA list of OFW deployment provinces and DOH Fourmula One sites);
• Target beneficiaries identified;
• Annual Work Plan for three year implementation planned;
• Roles and functions of the lead implementing partners defined; and
  
• Next steps identified.
  

The participants signed the revised Executive Summary of the Joint UN Programme on HIV and Migration as part of the workshop output document. The workshop finished at 4:45 PM.

By: Dr. GJ Templonuevo (UNFPA)