AFAO Media Release | 30 August 2011

The Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO) has expressed alarm that the predicted HIV epidemic amongst men who have sex with men and transgender people living in South East Asia has now arrived.

New figures, released at the 10th Asia Pacific AIDS Conference in South Korea, reveal that:

• In the Philippines, 70% of new infections are in men who have sex with men (MSM)
• In Delhi, 20% of MSM are estimated to be HIV+
• In Indonesia, 25% of transgender are estimated to be HIV+
• In Bangkok, an estimated 30% of MSM are HIV+, with new research showing a 10% annual infection rate amongst young men under 25.
• In Ho Chi Minh and Djakarta, prevalence has tripled since 2008.

Responding to the latest figures, AFAO Executive Director Rob Lake, has urged the Australian government, and in particular AusAID to respond.

“All these statistics released at the conference need to be appreciated in the context of the infection rate in the general community for all of these countries being under 1%. Our region is not prepared for these infection rates. We need a strong, targeted approach that reaches the most affected communities with effective education and support programs.”

“Australia needs to be a part of this.”

The conference also heeded renewed calls for action to remove the laws that hinder access to HIV prevention and treatment, including life saving medications.

Discrimination against and criminalization of transgender people and men who have sex with men, sex workers and people who use drugs are fueling rises in HIV. The President of Fiji, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said at the Conference opening on Friday "Political leaders shortcomings have long been the drivers of HIV."

Rob Lake called for the Australian Government to once again demonstrate it's leadership by calling for renewed support for the removal of laws that fuel HIV, in South East Asia and more broadly across the Commonwealth.

For media comment please call AFAO Executive Director Rob Lake on 0421 040 538.