| The
Coalition of Asia Pacific Regional Network on HIV/AIDS (the Seven Sisters) is
a broad-based alliance bringing together seven regional networks: AIDS Society
of Asia Pacific (ASAP), Asia Pacific Council of AIDS Service Organisations (APCASO),
Asia Pacific Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (APN+), Asia Pacific Network
of Sex Workers (APNSW), Asia Pacific Rainbow (APR), Asian Harm Reduction Network
(AHRN), and Co-ordination of Action Research on AIDS and Mobility in Asia (CARAM
Asia). The inter-network discussions were initiated during the 5th ICAAP in Kuala
Lumpur in 1999. After 18 months of dialogue the Coalition was formalised in February
2001 at Kuala Lumpur.
These networks have tremendous experience and
expertise in initiating and implementing programmes dealing with affected communities
and vulnerable populations such as drug users, sex workers, transgender communities,
men who have sex with men (MSM), HIV+ people and mobile populations. The respective
networks have built upon partnerships with the sectors mentioned, to ensure appropriate
and effective responses at grassroots level. The experiences reflect that there
are various cross-cutting issues and concerns where common and co-ordinated actions
can be evolved for effecting change. |
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