INFORMATION SERVICE

February 2005

AFPPD at Sub-Regional Parliamentary Seminar on HIV/AIDS

Dr. Malinee Sukavejworakit, Secretary General of AFPPD, attended the Sub Regional Parliamentary Seminar on HIV/AIDS in South Asia held in Islamabad, Pakistan. She spoke at a panel discussion on the elements of an Effective Prevention programme. She presented the experience of Thailand about AFPPD efforts on HIV/AIDS Prevention through programmes such as the Small Grant Project and the Thailand Tambon (Sub District) Leaders programme.

The seminar which was organized by Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA), also received the inaugural address by the Hon. Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Shaukat Aziz. Dr. Nafis Sadik, Special Envoy of UN Secretary General for HIV/AIDS in Asia gave the keynote address. Other experts who spoke at the conference included Dr. Suman Mehta, Associate Director, UNAIDS Geneva, Mr. Kenneth Dzirasah, President of PGA, Dr. Noor Jehan Panezai, MP Pakistan, and Hon. Chaudhry Amir Hussain, Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan.

Newly formed Laos Association of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (LAPPD) is the national parliamentary committee of Laos with full time staff support from UNFPA and AFPPD is now ready for action in involving majority of parliamentarians on Person-to-Person meeting on Population, reproductive health, and HIV/AIDS related issues. Similarly Philippines who was involved in Person to Person Advocacy Project with parliamentarians last year is now getting ready to reach majority of newly elected parliamentarians by meeting and discussing with them reproductive health, population, and related issues. These programs funded by Hewlett Foundation will bring out the view of parliamentarians on Population on and development issue. India will also work on Person to Person Advocacy Project for the first time. This is seen as a more effective method to meet majority of parliamentarians and discuss with them on individual level about their view on these issues. Indonesia with newly elected parliamentarians, Cambodia, and Malaysia are on the last phase of the programme.

APRSH Steering Committee

The Third Asian Pacific Reproductive and Sexual Health Conference will be held in Kuala Lumpur on 17-21 November 2005. An International Steering Committee under the chairmanship of Dr. Kamar Uzaman Ali discussed preparatory issues including topics to be discus participation and resource persons for the conference. Mr. Shiv Khare, Executive Director, AFPPD represented AFPPD at the meeting.

Asia Pacific Leadership Forum of UNAIDS and AFPPD has been working closely since the formation of APLF. Last week AFPPD officials met with APLF Manager Mr. David Bridger, APLF Adviser, Mr. Tony Bates and Coordinator for South Asia, Mr. Mohammad Ali Bhuiyan to discuss future plans and strategies to involve elected representatives in HIV/AIDS programs.

Preparations for the Asia-Pacific Workshop of Academic Parliamentarians, to be held from 8-9 March 2005 in Krabi, Thailand is in progress. The workshop will be attended by parliamentarians who have been teachers and professors. The workshop will seek their views about legal and policy changes in population issues, education and communication and youth involvement.

UNESCAP Executive Secretary, Mr. Kim Hak Su Gets Extended Term

The UNESCAP Executive Secretary Mr. Kim Hak Su who has been instrumental in giving a new image to UNESCAP and trying to make it a more vibrant organization has been given two more years to continue his good work. The UN Secretary general made this announcement in New York.