Asia-Pacific HIV Prevention Handbook launched at Sydney WorldPride

The Global Equality Caucus has launched the Asia-Pacific edition of its HIV Prevention Handbook at an event during Sydney WorldPride.

The HIV Prevention Handbook - supported by ViiV Healthcare - is a condensed guide that presents best practices for legislators in their advocacy on HIV policy. It compiles data, statistics and case studies in a concise format, tailored to equip legislators with the tools needed to advocate effectively for policies that ensure prevention strategies reach underserved communities.

The new Asia-Pacific handbook was officially launched during a reception at St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney, with government officials, HIV community champions, civil society leaders, and legislators from Australia and the wider region in attendance.

GEC’s legislative delegation included MPs from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands and the United States. Other legislators attending included Australian Senator Louise Pratt, Victorian Shadow Minister for Equality James Newbury, and local Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, who co-hosted the event.

Anthony Schembri welcomes guests to the event.

Alex Greenwich MP introduces the HIV Prevention Handbook.

Invited guests heard about the important work some of our partners are doing in the region to eliminate inequalities, including speeches from Midnight Poonkasetwattana, Executive Director of APCOM, and Scott Boule, Senior Specialist on Parliamentary Affairs at The Global Fund.

APCOM director Midnight highlights how legislators can help civil society and community groups in frontline delivery of prevention services.

The Global Fund’s Scott Boule illustrates how funding can be directed to empower civil society groups and lawmakers to deliver health programmes.

Co-host A/Prof Anthony Schembri AM, CEO of St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney, also highlighted the proud history of the hospital in treating HIV patients and LGBT+ people without prejudice.

The Asia-Pacific HIV Prevention Handbook is available to download here, and over the coming months physical copies will be distributed in parliaments throughout the region as part of our wider outreach with legislators.

The Europe edition of the handbook, launched last year, is also available via our HIV Prevention Portal, a dedicated online hub that collates prevention resources across regions.