Report cites decrease in HIV cases in 2009

MANILA, Philippines – An estimated 1.54 million people in the ASEAN region have been infected with the HIV virus as of end 2009 from 1.58 million in 2007.

The decrease indicated the progress in the efforts of the ASEAN in addressing the impact of HIV, according to an ASEAN Regional Report on HIV and AIDS.

The first ASEAN Regional Report on HIV and AIDS, which was reviewed at the 18th ASEAN Task Force on AIDS (ATFOA) Meeting held recently in Phnom Penh. The meeting highlighted varying levels of HIV epidemic affecting the region.

The report said most ASEAN member states have implemented effective prevention programs targeting key affected populations such as sex workers, injecting drug users, as well as vulnerable migrants.

The report also called for a sustained collaboration to remove the barriers in the prevention of the spread of HIV and to sustain AIDS treatment and care.

An ASEAN Work Program on HIV and AIDS for 2011-2015 has been endorsed to guide the region’s initiatives to combat the spread of HIV and mitigate the impact of HIV and AIDS across the region.

Regional policy advocacy on priority issues, capacity building and information sharing among ASEAN member states, and leveraging access to affordable HIV-related care and treatment services in the region are three major thrusts to be implemented identified in the Work Program.

The Work Program, endorsed at the 18th ASEAN Task Force on AIDS (ATFOA) Meeting, would also contribute to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), in particular the sixth goal, which is to combat HIV/AIDS.

The MDGs are eight globally recognized development goals to be achieved by 2015, many of which resonate with the goals of ASEAN. –Pia Lee-Brago (The Philippine Star)