Community Advocacy and Policy

TREAT Asia
Policy and Community

TREAT Asia plays a key advocacy role in the region, using data gathered through the network and its research, to make the case for evidence-based HIV-related policy and programming. TREAT Asia works closely with individual country-based and regional advocates, and amfAR’s U.S.-based Public Policy Office and Public Information department to develop strategies for urging governments, HIV/AIDS organizations, donors, and pharmaceutical companies to invest in broader access to affordable, high-quality HIV and co-infection treatment, and for the removal of barriers that prevent many people, including key-affected populations, from accessing care.

These barriers may include high pricing of medicines, low awareness of infection and advocacy opportunities among patient groups, national drug regulatory delays, trade negotiations, and non-availability of highly potent medications in national programs.

Hepatitis C, a common HIV co-infection, is a serious and underreported global health problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 71 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and 399,000 die of HCV-related causes each year. But despite the existence of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) that can cure more than 95% of people with HCV, these drugs remain difficult to access for many who need them. TREAT Asia advocates for HCV treatment access and trains physicians in the care of patients with HIV/HCV coinfection.

TREAT Asia also supports national and regional programs working to build skills and empower those at risk, infected, or affected by HIV/AIDS. For example, through its Youth Asia Community for AIDS Treatment and Advocacy (ACATA) program, it helps young people who have grown up with HIV develop leadership skills, understand their infection and their rights, and advocate at the national, regional, or international level.

HIV AWARENESS, PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT
Where Are They Now? Catching up with Pheng Pharozin, Sam Nugraha, and Thomas Cai of the original TREAT Asia ACATA program
PERSPECTIVES: How can we use technology to improve HIV testing among key populations?
PERSPECTIVES: What should be the highest priority in 2018 for ending AIDS in the Asia-Pacific region?
Reflections and Perspectives from Thailand’s HIV Pioneer
Drug Resistance: A Growing Threat
Addressing a Shifting Epidemic
Why Has Asia Fallen Behind on HIV/AIDS?
New Leadership at the ANRS in the Fight Against AIDS: An Interview with Dr. François Dabis
HIV in Southeast Asia: Progress, Process, and the Work Ahead
Vigilance Needed to Sustain Global Fight Against HIV
Adam’s Love Launches a New Clinic for GMT Individuals in Bangkok
The High Cost of Free Trade for People Living with HIV in the Asia-Pacific 
Online HIV Awareness Campaign Debuts in Malaysia 

HEPATITIS C (HCV)
Enhancing Access to Newer HIV and Hepatitis C Medications in Asia
Hepatitis C Diagnosis and Treatment Access: Progress and Challenges
The 2018 International Liver Congress and Civil Society’s Role in Tackling Hepatitis Worldwide
A Partnership to Build Hepatitis C Diagnosis and Treatment Access in Asia
TREAT Asia, Civil Society Groups, and WHO Coordinate Efforts to Attack Viral Hepatitis
Improving Voluntary Licensing Agreements for Better Drug Access
When Drugs Cost as Much as Diamonds
TREAT Asia Pushes for Expanded Access to Hepatitis C Treatments
CoNE, India, Is Selected in Global Hepatitis Innovation Testing Contest
Addressing the Challenges to HIV/Hepatitis C Treatment Access – The TREAT Asia Report Interview: Leena Menghaney of MSF
How Activists Are Driving Down the Cost of Hepatitis C Treatment in Asia

HIV AND NONINFECTIOUS COMORBIDITIES
PERSPECTIVES: How can we improve mental health services for people living with HIV in the Asia-Pacific?
Addressing Unmet Needs Associated With Cardiovascular Disease in People With HIV/AIDS 

YOUTH ADVOCACY AND LEADERSHIP
Challenges  for Young People Around HIV Disclosure
PERSPECTIVES: What should be done to strengthen youth-led HIV advocacy in the Asia-Pacific region?
Youth Advocates Graduate with Important New Knowledge and Skills
Young People With HIV Finding Their Voice
TREAT Asia’s New Program to Help Build Regional Youth HIV Advocacy Capacity 
 
ADOLESCENT, CHILD, AND ORPHAN CARE
Improving Care for Thai Youth Living with HIV
Strengthening Community HIV Support for Children
Community Profile: Worldwide Orphans Foundation Vietnam
TREAT Asia Holds First Training on Adolescent Mental Health
New Initiative Addresses Adolescent Mental Health
Helping Young People Transition to Adult Care
New Hope for Cambodian Children 

PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS (PrEP)
PERSPECTIVES: What are the greatest barriers to regional implementation of PrEP for HIV prevention?
amfAR and WHO Support Community Pilot Project on PrEP in the Philippines
Creating Access to PrEP in the Philippines
Expanding Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV in Thailand 

SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
Pregnancy Among HIV-Positive Women in East Asia—What Are the Current Trends?
A Growing Threat: Study Highlights Risks of HPV Infection to HIV-Positive Young Women
Cervical Cancer in Asia: A Deadly but Preventable Epidemic
Improving Reproductive Health in Young Thai Women

STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION
Stigma Fueling Asian HIV/AIDS Epidemics
Fighting HIV Among MSM and Transgender Individuals in Myanmar
New Videos Combating HIV Stigma Are Broadcast Across Thailand
Be the Change This International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
Taking Discrimination to Court in India 

COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION
A Mission to Mobilize HIV Communities Worldwide