KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 2 (Bernama) -- AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), a global non-profit provider of HIV/AIDS medical care, has urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to lead the fight in ending AIDS as a public health threat in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.
Having served over 400,000 clients across 10 APAC countries, AHF in a statement said it is eager to contribute its expertise to support ASEAN’s ambitious goals.
AHF President, Michael Weinstein emphasised that ASEAN's efforts could significantly impact the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
“By building partnerships with governments, civil society, and international agencies—and focusing on community-based approaches—ASEAN can demonstrate that ending AIDS as a public health threat is within reach.
“This progress would save lives, reduce healthcare costs, boost workforce productivity, and strengthen communities, while setting an example for other regions to follow,” he said.
Meanwhile, AHF Asia Bureau Chief, Dr Chhim Sarath expressed pride in the organisation’s collaborations with the majority of ASEAN countries and their civil society organisations (CSOs).
“As we welcome the New Year, we urge ASEAN and its member states to enhance collaboration and establish robust mechanisms to develop a ‘Road Map to End AIDS in the ASEAN Region’, with active engagement from CSOs like AHF,” added Dr Sarath.
AHF proposes working through platforms such as the ASEAN GO-NGOs Forum to promote collaboration, address inequalities, eliminate stigma and discrimination, and ensure access to the prevention and treatment of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
The non-profit organisation provides cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to over two million people in 48 countries worldwide, including the United States, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region, and Europe.
-- BERNAMA
