ahf: asia pacific bureau special report 2009

I write to commend the work of the AHF Asia Pacific

Bureau. The expansion of the mission of AHF to six

countries and thousands of patients is very

gratifying and sets a proud example of what an

international NGO can do in partnership with local

governments and civil society. AHF has assembled a

magnificent team in Asia under the leadership of

Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing in the six countries we

now serve.

AHF continues to forge new paths through its

advocacy by focusing on issues specific to the

region such as our legal proceedings against NACO

in India as well as the mass testing initiative which is

reducing the barriers to testing.

We know that with the ambitious and dedicated

nature of our leadership and staff we will climb to

new heights in the coming years. We will not rest

until our goal of global AIDS control has been

achieved. Let me personally thank you all for the

tremendous contributions that you make to the

work every day.

Sincerely,

The spirit of

innovation that is at the heart of AHF's

success is alive and well in our Asia Pacific

Bureau.

02

Michael Weinstein

President

AIDS Healthcare Foundation

PresidentMessage

ASIA PACIFIC BUREAU SPECIAL REPORT 2009

03

I am particularly gratified to have this special moment to

congratulate all our people working for the Asia Pacific

Bureau for its contribution to the expansion of AHF’s global

mission , vision and, above all, for sharing and promoting our

core values and principles.

. Within a short span,

AHF´s staff working in the most populated region of the

world has made an important inroad in the response to the

epidemic. The initiation of ART, investing time on counseling

and adherence, providing comprehensive healthcare,

actively promoting community HIV testing, condom

distribution and advocacy efforts, all interlinked, make us be

a one and only family committed to comprehensive care

regardless of ability to pay.

I also encourage you to continue with your efforts in

creating effective partnerships, which are an integral

component in the global response to HIV. This special report

is a testimony to the contributions made by dedicated team

representing the Asia Pacific Region.

I also encourage you to continue with your efforts in

creating effective partnerships, which are an integral

component in the global response to HIV.

This special report is a testimony to the contributions made

by dedicated team representing the Asia Pacific Region.

The Bureau's has done

tremendous task in enhancing and saving lives of

many people living with HIV AIDS

Chief of Global AffairsMessage

Dr. Jorge Saavedra

Chief of Global Affairs


Our achievements in the Asia Pacific Region is gratifying

for they are proof of how - many people, in many

places, working together in concert as one could make

a difference in the lives of many. AHF independent voice

boldly advocates for change and echoes the sentiments

of people living with HIV AIDS and their families and the

thoughts of the general community.

We made rapid strides and have grown from a just

single center in one country to over twenty seven

centers in six countries, became bigger, better and

stronger within a brief period of time. We emerged as

one of the leading HIV AIDS leaders by our unique

services and bold advocacy in the region. AHF's

innovative initiatives – delivery of high quality ART, task

shifting training and education, community based

prevention programs, creative public health campaigns,

positive link activities brought significant changes in the

region. We earned the respect and trust of the

community wherever we work. We garnered support

from various agencies and organizations, strengthen

our partnerships and network which is instrumental in

our success. Our efforts resulted in achieving greater

goals while actively establishing deeper roots, stronger

base and creating solid and durable foundation.

We will continue our endeavour with zeal, motivation

and hope which are key components to bring the

changes we need to prevent infection, save lives and

control the epidemic.

04

Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing

Chief of Asia Pacific Bureau


Chief ofBureauMessage

05

AHF's Presence in Asia Pacific

India

Cambodia

China

Viet Nam

Thailand

Nepal

Adults Registered

Paediatric Registered

0

500

1,000

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

4,000

4,500

5,000

1,500

India Cambodia China Viet Nam Thailand

782

4,779

1021

33536 144

44135

28835

1,751

Nepal

32

Adults on ARVs

Paediatric on ARVs

0

500

1,000

2,000

2,500

3,000

1,500


973

373

3,067

11613 136

2400

18130

738

9

Nepal

Adults on Care & Support

Paediatric on Care & Support

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

1,600

1,800


409

1,712

48219

23 8

201

5107

5

1,013

Nepal

23

Total Patients Registered

in Asia Pacific Bureau

Cambodia: 5,114 / 53%

China: 1,165 / 12%

Viet Nam: 441 / 4.6%

Thailand: 323 / 3.3%India: 818 / 8.5%

Nepal: 1783 / 18.5%AHF Asia Pacific Bureau currently operates 27 ART

centers in India, Cambodia, China, Viet Nam, Thailand and

Nepal. The bureau constantly strives to achieve, enhance

and expand the provision of comprehensive HIV

treatment and care services in the region. We now

provide HIV treatment, care and support services to

about 10000 patients.


AHF Cambodia Cares made tremendous

change in the life of many people. We owe this

success to the strong collaboration with

NCHADS and the support of the community.

Dr. Chhim Sarath, Country Director

06

AHF Cambodia Cares was established in the late 2005 and

works in partnership with the Ministry of Health National

Center for HIV AIDS, Dermatology and STI Control

(NCHADS) and the Ministry of Defense, Preah Ket Mealea

Hospital of the Royal Government of Cambodia after

signing a MoU for long term partnership.

Currently, the program operates 11 ART Centers in Ang

Roka, Koh Thom, Romeas Hek, Kampong Thom, Oddar

Mean Chey, Sampove Meas, Kampot, Pea Reang, Stung

Treng, Kiri Vong, Preah Ket Mealea. We provide financial

support for operational cost of the sites, technical

assistance, capacity and skill building trainings for

healthcare personnel, continuing medical education

programs, specimen transportation to laboratories,

referral services and community outreach.

AHF Cambodia Cares works closely with the community

and supports peer educators and counselors to extend

treatment awareness education and increase the number

of people accessing voluntary counseling and testing

(VCT), referrals and to reduce stigma.

Cambodia

07

Each ART Center in addition to doctors, nurses and

counselors, is staffed with at least two trained peer

educators who conduct and coordinate monthly support,

adherence meetings for people living with HIV AIDS.

These meetings provide a dedicated forum to discuss

challenges related to HIV AIDS and identify ways to

address and overcome pertinent issues faces by patients

and families. Participants of the support groups

contribute significantly to raising national public

awareness about HIV AIDS treatment and prevention. All

11 sites manage home based care teams that provide

additional support for adherence.

AHF Cambodia Cares participates actively in advocacy

activities such as World AIDS Day, International

Candlelight Memorial Day Campaign. AHF's Mass Testing

Initiative, which was launched to mobilize and bring

together large numbers of people in order to provide HIV

testing, AHF Cambodia Cares and its partners performed

35,034 HIV tests at events organized around World AIDS

Day 2008, and provided treatment referrals to those

who tested positive (3.17%).

AHF Cambodia Cares has

provided care to 5,160

patients, with 3202 on ART

Figures as on July 31 2009


08

AHF's success in Viet Nam is due to innovative

approach in ART delivery and value added

programs such as HIV Medics. The cooperation

of VAAC and PEPFAR's support and community

participation is unparalleled.

Dr. Nguyen Thu Hang, Country Program Manager

AHF Viet Nam Cares signed a MoU in 2007 with Hai Phong

AIDS Control Center and established its presence in Viet

Nam by opening its first Collaborative ART Center at

Thuy Nguyen District Hospital to provide comprehensive

HIV AIDS treatment and care services. AHF partnered

with Viet Nam Administration of AIDS Control (VAAC) and

Quang Ninh Provincial AIDS Center to open its second ART

center in March 2008 in Hoanh Bo District, Quang Ninh

Province. The services provided at the centers include

free ART, support services including CD4, basic laboratory

tests, counseling and OI treatment.

At Thuy Nguyen, Hai Phong ART center, AHF provides

direct treatment and care, technical assistance, capacity

building trainings for staff, other healthcare personnel

and conduct community outreach. AHF also addresses

issues of poverty affecting patients by providing

additional OI drugs, transportation and nutritional

support which improves adherence and health outcomes.

In addition to such similar high quality services, the staff

at Quang Ning ART Center in Hoanh Bo District provides

care and training for HIV on a biweekly basis to the

provincial drug rehabilitation (06) center.

Viet Nam

In November 2008, AHF collaborated with VAAC, and

brought 'HIV Medic program' which is WHO cited “best

practice” task-shifting program to Viet Nam. The program

was developed by AHF as an innovative solution to meet

the shortage of healthcare workers in resource constrained

settings. The 12-week intensive program was expanded to

six months in Viet Nam and laypeople were trained to

become paraprofessional 'extenders' of treatment who

provide basic support to doctors and nurses, triage,

intensive adherence support, and assist in the provision of

ART. The first batch of HIV Medics - 31 PLHAs from Hai

Phong and Quang Ninh provinces were trained.

AHF Viet Nam Cares opened its third and fourth ART

Centers in Bac Giang and Thai Binh Provinces in

collaboration with VAAC and PAC in the month of

June 2009.

AHF also cooperates with the Ministry of Health, Viet

Nam to organize events responding to the National

month of Action and World AIDS Day, works with various

partners to further its goals of achieving HIV AIDS

treatment and HIV control in Viet Nam.

09

AHF Viet Nam Cares has

provided care to 441




AHF China Cares model of comprehensive HIV

treatment, preceptorship training and provision

of free medications for OI's is making a definite

positive change.

Yang XinYu, Country Program Manager

10

AHF China Cares established in 2005 with the objective

to strengthen HIV treatment services, reduce AIDS

mortalities and improve the quality of life of people living

with HIV AIDS. The project activities includes clinical

preceptorship training programs, educational experience

exchange programs, CME training at city and county

levels, support for opportunistic infection (OI) drugs,

patient and peer education and counseling support. We

currently operate at Linfen Infectious Disease Hospital,

Linfen, Shanxi province, Nanning city with Guangxi

provincial CDC, Guangxi province, Xin Jiang Medical

University, Urumqi, Xin Jiang province and Nanjang city in

collaboration with Wolong CDC.

AHF China Cares set up 'Center of Excellence' at Linfen ID

Hospital and extended support to the Green Harbor AIDS

Center. At this center AHF provide financial support for

staff, technical skills and capacity building through clinical

preceptorship, CME programs. AHF China Cares

collaboration with Linfen Infectious Disease Hospital

provides HIV treatment services for almost 80% of

Shanxi province's AIDS patients. At Nanning City, AHF

provides outpatient medical services in partnership with

Guangxi Provincial CDC which is also the largest AIDS

treatment center in the province. AHF provides free

drugs for the treatment and management of

China

11

AHF China Cares has


patients, with 1,616 on ART


opportunistic infections which has significantly improved

the lives of many patients. The ART drugs are provided

free by government.

Other services provided includes community based

counseling and HIV AIDS awareness education for the

general population. Information, Education and Training

on basics of the HIV, peer education, outreach activities,

methods, treatment preparedness and drug adherence

counseling.

AHF China Cares strives to establish a sustainable and

affordable treatment and care model, building the skills

of healthcare providers. At, Xinjiang Medical University,

which is the largest HIV AIDS treatment center in Xinjiang

Province, AHF provides technical assistance, training and

workshops to enhance the skills of the healthcare staff

that would carry forward similar program in the

province.

AHF developed strong linkages, and network, and signed

a MoU to partner with Chinese Preventive Medicine

Association (CPMA) for better management of program,

work with the government departments, public hospitals

and other nongovernmental organizations which is

instrumental for the rapid scale up of HIV services.


It is a huge challenge to provide HIV treatment

and care services in a hospice setting. AHF is

instrumental in bringing and extending vital

support to save lives. We are a beacon of light of

hope to many needy patients.

Dr. Vin Samnang, Senior Medical Officer

12

AHF responded to the crying need for the provision of

life saving HIV treatment and care at the AIDS temple

voiced by KU Alumni, Los Angeles, California. A tripartite

memorandum of understanding was signed with Lop Buri

Provincial Government, The Dramaraksa Foundation in

the presence of the renowned Abbot of Wat

Prahbatnampo on July 3 2007. The goals are dedicated to

save lives through ART and HIV treatment, OI

management and other holistic services for people living

with HIV AIDS. The partnership envision to bring a

paradigm shift from hospice care to active HIV

management through comprehensive HIV treatment and

care services and roll out of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)

for PLHAs seeking shelter, solace and hope at the Wat

Prahbatnampo.

The high profile collaborative project aptly named 'Center

of Hope' was inaugurated on August 31 2007. The Center

of Hope is located in the beautiful grounds of Wat

Phrabatnampo Thailand's and world renowned AIDS

temple. AHF provides clinical services, human resource,

technical assistance, training and capacity skill building

services for the staff and PLHA community. AHF Thailand

Cares also engages in outreach activities and prevention

education.

Thailand

‘Center of Hope' till date had registered over 500 patients

and currently provides comprehensive treatment services

to 332 HIV positive people of which 205 are male and 127

are female. The services include HIV AIDS treatment, OI

management, counseling services, adherence meeting,

CME programs, support group meetings, treatment

education, outpatient-inpatient services, nursing care, IEC

services, prevention and testing, condom promotion,

outreach activities, referral services and advocacy.

AHF in Thailand partners with AHRN and jointly conducts

trainings, capacity and skill building on HIV treatment and

management, ART for drug users. AHF and AHRN are in

close collaboration to address ART and support services

for HIV infected and affected marginalized groups –

IVDUs, non IVDUs. AHF is engaged with Department of

Disease Control, Bureau of AIDS, TB and STIs, Ministry of

Public Health, Thailand in a dialogue for ART treatment

and OI management services for migrants, refugees and

ethnic minorities. AHF looks forward to extending and

promoting 'Stay Negative' Campaign that promotes HIV

prevention through increased scale up of condom usage,

distribution, testing services for groups such as MSM and

CSWs in Thailand.

13

AHF Thailand Cares has

provided care to 332 patients,

with 192 on ART



2007

We at AHF India Cares, continue to advocate for

universal access to HIV treatment and testing and

to build and surpassing newer milestones in the

years to come.

Dr. Nochiketa Mohanty, Country Program Coordinator

14

AHF established its presence in India in 2004 and

implement programs through 'India Cares' which carries

forward the mission and vision of providing Cutting edge

medicine and advocacy regardless of ability to pay. AHF

India Cares was the first nonprofit organization to

collaborate with the National AIDS Control Organization

(NACO) in its commitment to scale up ART services in

India. AHF India Cares emerged as a leading HIVAIDS

organization in India renowned for its delivery of

comprehensive HIV treatment and support services and

leader in advocacy. AHF led successful campaign for

affordable ARVs and second line treatment drugs.

AHF initiated ART provision in early 2004 through a

collaborative project with NGO partners in Mysore and

Khustagi in Karnataka. AHF India Cares 'Center of

Excellence' New Delhi is a one stop shop for HIV

treatment services. The Free services includes ART

services including 2 line ARTs, OI management, HIV

testing, CD4 Test, other laboratory services, Positive

living courses, adherence support groups, Pediatric care,

PMTCT services, yoga and meditation, Positive lounge,

outreach and referral services. In 2009 it expanded it

services to North Eastern states of India and set up

comprehensive services and advocacy activities. It has

set up 'Center of Hope' in the states of Manipur, Mizoram

nd

India

and treatment preparedness services for positive

networks in Nagaland, and comprehensive HIV services

for sex workers in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

'HIV Medic' training course is a task shifting program

conceived by AHF. AHF India Cares signed a MoU and

collaborate with Indira Gandhi National Open University

(IGNOU) in 2008 and has successfully completed the first

round of training where 24 Students graduated as HIV

Medics to work as paraprofessionals and services

extenders.

AHF India Cares pioneered community HIV Testing model

with support from Boeing India. The mobile testing unit -

'HIV Task Force' provides HIV testing, prevention

education, counselling and establishes referral and

follow-up mechanisms to scale-up ART delivery. More

than 60000 HIV tests was conducted with partners at an

events organized during World AIDS Day 2008 and

provided treatment referrals to those who tested

positive (3.33%).

AHF India Cares on July 18 2009 launched 'Stay Negative

Campaign' – Awareness, Testing and Using Condoms

(Love Condom) to stay HIV negative. The Bollywood Star

Ronit Roy is the Brand Ambassador for this bold initiative.

15

AHF India Cares has

provided care to 818 patients,

with 387 on ART



2004-2005

We are geared to scale up AHF innovative model

of care across Nepal in active collaboration with

the Government, civil societies and the affected

communities.

Nur Prasad Pant, Country Program Manager

16

Nepal

17

AHF Nepal Cares has



AHF Nepal Cares signed a MoU and registered with the

Social Welfare Council (SWC) to collaborate and assist the

Government in the scale up of ART services, care and

support for people living with HIV AIDS in partnership

with National Center of AIDS and STI Control (NCASC) in

Nepal. AHF Nepal Cares and NCASC, Ministry of Health

and Population (MoHP) signed MoU to establish model

centers – 'Collaborative ART Center of Excellence' at

Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital,

Kathmandu which will be center for excellence in the

provision of ART services, OI management, training and

referral center. The center will be a one stop shop for HIV

care services. The Center will also train members of

nongovernmental organizations and healthcare providers

in the art of delivery of high quality HIV AIDS treatment

services. A comprehensive package of ART services

delivery will be replicated and expanded to various parts

of the country.

'Collaborative ART Centers of Excellence' will provide HIV

services, innovative medical and non medical

interventions, capacity and skill building training,

technical support for HIV services providers across the

country. This unique model of partnership between

Government and AHF will herald better treatment

services, strengthen medical service providers and non

government organizations to address treatment, care


and support approach. The collaboration will also address

other bold and effective response to fight and contain

the epidemic.

AHF Nepal Cares and NCASC launched its partnership at a

high profile gathering in November 2008 at the Sukraraj

Tropical and Infectious Diseases Hospital. Peter Reis, Vice

President AHF, officials from NCASC, the Director of the

hospital and others including UN Agencies, civil society

groups, CBOs and PLHA network representatives

participated in the inauguration of the 'ART Center of

Excellence'. The joint partnership activities at this

hospital commended from July 1 2009, and currently

serving over 1700 patients providing ART treatment,

clinical management of OI's, providing psychosocial

counseling support, VCT, CD4 tests, CMEs for staff. AHF

Nepal Cares and the NCASC will expand its collaborative

life saving HIV treatment services to other districts in

the country to scale up the overall ART service delivery

and to bring effective program of saving lives and

protecting the public health in general.

AHF is actively engaged with government of Nepal, civil

society and affected communities to device public health

interventions and promotes Stay Negative Campaign,

mass testing initiative and integrated ART treatment

services.


2004-2005

March, 2004

October, 2005

October, 2005

AHF India Cares established partnership with Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM) and

Samraksha and established its first life saving ART treatment center for PLHAs in India at Mysore

Medical College, Mysore and at Kushtagi in Koppal District, Karnataka.

AHF and Linfen Infectious Disease Hospital, Linfen, Shanxi signed a MoU to establish a collaborative

HIV AIDS treatment 'Center of Excellence' at the ID Hospital and Green Harbor AIDS center to

provide services and conduct training to build capacity and skills of healthcare providers through

preceptorship program.

AHF and the Ministry of Health, NCHADS and Ministry of Defense, Royal Government of Cambodia

signed a MoU to collaborate and scale up ART treatment services in Cambodia and at the largest

military hospital Preah Ket Melea in Phnom Penh.

Milestones

AIDS Healthcare Foundation planted the seeds of providing

in the Asia Pacific region in 2004 in Southern India. AHF expertise and nimble innovative approach to deliver

effective ART services and bold advocacy for change soon make its presence felt in India and subsequently in region. The

pioneering compassionate life saving services was initiated in both urban and rural settings. The services started at Mysore

Medical College in Mysore and rural setting in Khustagi in Koppal District of Karnataka. The program began as a tripartite

collaboration in partnership with local nongovernmental organizations SVYM and Samraksha, the Government of Karnataka

which heralded the arrival of life saving ART treatment and support services and AHF in the region.

AHF began negotiation with the MoH, Government of India to collaborate in the scale up of ART in India. 'India Cares' a

registered Trust implements the activities in India. This Asia Pacific bureau secretariat is located at New Delhi and dedicated

to accomplish the goals of saving lives and strengthen ART roll out programs. Moving ahead with strategic precision soon

earn the trust of various governmental and nonprofit nongovernmental organizations in the field of HIV AIDS. AHF creative

model approach of entering into agreement by signing memorandum of understanding to collectively work with likeminded

caring institutions was AHF's benchmark. AHF soon inked MoU's in India and China for a collaborative project with NACO and

the largest Infections Disease Hospital in Linfen Shanxi.

AHF rapidly expanded such collaborations with stakeholders in Cambodia, Viet Nam, Thailand and Nepal. Every single day

brings more people infected and affected by the epidemic of HIV to AHF — Cares Centers in various countries to receive

compassionate and high quality treatment services. In a brief span of five years AHF Asia Pacific bureau attained the

coveted status of regional leaders in HIV AIDS.

'Cutting Edge Medicine and Advocacy regardless of

ability to pay'

18

AHF selfless services created

history and brought hope

for many PLHAs

Faces of sadness and sorrow

replaced by smiling faces

as treatment saved lives

19

January, 2006

January, 2006

March, 2006

March, 2006

April, 2006

June, 2006

September, 2006

September, 2006

December, 2006

December, 2006

December, 2006

December, 2006

'India Cares' registered as Trust and carry forward AHF mission and vision to provide Cutting Edge

Medicine and Advocacy regardless of ability to pay. India Cares implements humanitarian services

of AHF in accordance to the rules and regulations of the Registrar of Trust.

AHF signed Letter of Agreement with Ministry of Health, National Centre for HIV AIDS,

Dermatology and STI Control (NCHADS) and finalized detailed work plans for operation in Cambodia.

Michael Weinstein, President AHF inaugurated 'Center of Excellence' at Linfen ID Hospital, Shanxi

Province, China. This is AHF China Cares First collaborative 'ART Center'.

Michael Weinstein, Dr. Mean Chhi Vun, Director NCHADS and officials inaugurated AHF Cambodia

Cares First collaborative Center at Kampong Thom Referral Hospital.

Michael Weinstein, Mary Adair of AHF and the Director of Military Hospital inaugurated AHF

Cambodia Cares ART Center at the Preah Ket Melea Military Hospital, Phnom Penh in collaboration

with Ministry of Defense.

The first 'Clinical Preceptorship Program' a skill and capacity building program for doctors, nurses

and healthcare workers on the treatment and management of HIV AIDS started at Linfen

Infectious Disease Hospital and Green Harbor AIDS center.

Dr. Mean Chhi Vun, Director – NCHADS and Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing, AHF Asia Pacific Bureau Chief

inaugurated AHF Cambodia Cares collaborative ART center at Kampot Referral Hospital.

AHF Viet Nam Cares signed a MoU with the Director of Hai Phong Provincial AIDS Control Center

(HPPAC) in the presence of AHF Global Affairs Chief to establish ART center at in Hai Phong

province.

AHF India Cares and US Embassy American Center collaborate and organized photo exhibition by

Dr. C. Thangsing of lives save by ART titled 'Photos of Hope' on the eve World AIDS Day 2006.

AHF India Cares signed MoU with the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) Ministry of Health,

Government of India to collaborate and scale up of ART roll out in the state of Assam.

Graduation Ceremony of participants of Clinical preceptorship training program organized at Linfen

ID Hospital, Shanxi.

AHF signed a MoU with Xinjiang Medical University (XMU) to collaborate and train trainer of trainers

to extend and build the clinical skills of Doctors in Xinjiang in the management of HIV.

2006


The key to program

success is motivated

and immensely dedicated staff

20

March, 2007

March, 2007

March, 2007

July, 2007

July, 2007

July, 2007

August, 2007

August, 2007

October, 2007

November, 2007

November, 2007

December, 2007

AHF India Cares Center of Excellence (CoE) inaugurated by President AHF with Co-Chairs of the

Board of AHF in New Delhi. The First Asia Pacific Bureau Meet was held in New Delhi with a theme –

'Expand, Enhance and Achieve'. Universal Access, Treatment Advocacy Campaign was launched in

India, Advocacy rally held at India Gate.

AHF India Cares and NACO dedicated its collaborative ART Center at Gauhati Medical College in the

presence of Medical Minister of Assam State, AHF officials, officials from NACO, ASACS, NGOs, CBOs

and stakeholders grace the landmark achievement.

AHF Viet Nam Cares opened its First ART center inaugurated by Michael Weinstein, President AHF

and the Director of Hai Phong Provincial AIDS Control Center, Party officials and other stakeholders.

AHF signed a tripartite MoU with Dramaraksa Foundation, Wat Prahbatnampo, Provincial

Government of Lop Buri to establish comprehensive life saving ART treatment and HIV care

program at the renowned Thailand's AIDS temple.

AHF Viet Nam Cares signed MoU with Viet Nam Administration of AIDS Control (VAAC) to operate

ART Center in Hoan Bo, in Quang Ninh province.

AHF China Cares signed a MoU with Guangxi CDC in Nanning city to jointly operate ART center for

HIV AIDS care and treatment.

AHF India Cares launched a high profile nationwide campaign for Affordable HIV treatment drug

pricing in India, a signature campaign for second line ART access.

'Center of Hope' a collaborative project of AHF, Dramaraksa Foundation and Provincial Government

was inaugurated by Michael Weinstein, AHF President and Governor of Lop Buri and Abbot of Wat

Prahbatnampo.

AHF and XMU ID Department co sponsored and organized 'International AIDS Conference' at

Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China.

The 'Song of Hope' music video was launched on the eve of World AIDS Day at the US Embassy

American Center, a joint project of AHF India Cares and Baanyan Tree Productions.

NCHADS and AHF Cambodia Cares inaugurated collaborative ART centers at Pea Reang Referral

Hospital, Stung Treng Referral Hospital, Romeas Haek Referral Hospital, and Koh Thum Referral

Hospital.

AHF China Cares in collaboration with Guangxi CDC inaugurate its second collaborative ART Center

in Nanning city, Guangxi province, China.

2007Milestones

We protect public health,

deliver quality care and

treasure life and independence

21

January, 2008

January, 2009

February, 2008

March, 2008

October, 2008

November, 2008

June, 2009

June, 2009

June, 2009

June, 2009

July, 2009

July, 2009

AHF Cambodia Cares and NCHADS inaugurated ART Centers at Oddar Meanchey Referral Hospital,

Kirivong Referral Hospital, Ang Roka Referral Hospital, Sampov Meas Referral Hospital.

The Royal Government of Cambodia awarded the 'Royal Order of Sahametrei' to Dr. Chinkholal

Thangsing, AHF Asia Pacific Bureau Chief in recognition of highly commendable services for the

people of Cambodia.

AHF India Cares promoted Coalition for AIDS Treatment Access (CATA) delegation met the Prime

Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh and submitted a memorandum to ensure universal access to

ART including, Second line ARV drugs, passing of HIV Bill, transparency and accountability of

national AIDS programs.

AHF Viet Nam Cares inaugurated its second ART Center in collaboration with Viet Nam

Administration of AIDS Control (VAAC) and Quang Ninh Provincial AIDS Control Center (QNPAC) at

Hoan Bo in Quang Ninh province.

AHF China Cares signed a MoU with the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association (CPMA) to

collaborate and ensure effective management of its programs in China.

Peter Reis, AHF Vice President and NCASC officials and Director of ID Hospital dedicated its

collaborative 'ART Center of Excellence' at the Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital in

Nepal.

AHF India Cares and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) organized First Convocation for

'HIV Medics' training program where 24 graduates receive certificate as 'HIV Medic'. The program

was hosted by the US Embassy -American Center, New Delhi, India.

AHF Viet Nam Cares inaugurated the third and fourth ART Centers in Bac Giang and Thai Binh

province in collaboration with VAAC and PAC of the respective provinces in Viet Nam.

AHF Viet Nam Cares, VAAC and Quang Ninh Medical College, Quang Ninh organized 'HIV Medics

Graduation Ceremony' of the First batch of 31 PLHAs graduates as HIV Medics in Viet Nam.

AHF China Cares inaugurated its third ART Center in collaboration with Wolong CDC in Nanyang City,

Henan province, China.

AHF India Cares North East India HIV AIDS Initiative inaugurated 'Center of Hope' Centers for

delivery of comprehensive HIV treatment, care and support and advocacy in the states of Manipur

and Mizoram, India.

AHF India Cares successfully launched 'Stay Negative' campaign by Brand Ambassador, Bollywood

Actor Ronit Roy at the Nikko Metropolitan Hotel in New Delhi.

2008-2009


22

Our lives are transformed,

We now live a new vibrant life;

Strong mind and body our new faithful companions,

Tomorrow is now ours as is yours.

Adapted from ‘Song of Hope’

It's because of AHF that

my life has changed

for the better

23

Ms. Pon, a client of AHF Cambodia Cares - Preah

Ket Mealea Hospital Phnom Penh

Aleang's Story (Thailand)

Pon, is a 42 year old woman living in Kandal Province who

discovered her HIV status in 2005. She was shocked,

ashamed and devastated to learn that she was HIV

positive. She discovered her infection after being

referred to AHF Cambodia Cares Clinic in Phnom Penh.

She was in the late stage of infection with severe

compromised immune status. After a thorough clinical

evaluation and counseling support was initiated on anti

retroviral drugs, which soon change her condition and

improved her health dramatically. This led to the return

of her confidence, bursting with renewed vigor and

meaning to life. She could not but share her experience

of brush with death and new life to encourage and bring

hope for others. 'Life is too wonderful and why should

we despair' she shared '… and why should we worry for as

long as such organization like AHF Cambodia Cares is

there to help us' she added. She is rejuvenated, healthy,

takes her medicine regularly and operates a small

business to support herself and her five children. She

actively involved in PLHA self-help groups in her

community and shared her testimony with an infectious

smile while coaxing and encouraging others to access

services, remove fear, fight stigma and discrimination

and turn sadness to happiness.

AHF Cambodia Cares and the home based care workers

kept in constant touch with Pon and provided her with

social welfare support, counseling, home visits, keep her

updated of her medical status. Today, Pon is an effective

advocate for access to treatment and a source of

strength, a living example of how treatment saves lives.

Pon and her five children enjoy life to the fullest and her

new lease of life with gratitude.

Saengchai Ngamwong alias Aleang 39, is one of the most

outspoken person and shared his HIV status to

encourage others. He was one among the many clients

accessing services at AHF Thailand Cares Center of Hope

in Lop Buri. He received his medical treatment for HIV

Positive Voicesand opportunistic infections, he receives counseling

services, learn about the importance of adherence to

medications and attends support group meetings

regularly, meditate and practices positive living.

'I had multiple skin infection, rashes, lesions and boils all

over my body. I was in pain for days. I was so afraid,

ashamed of my condition, filled with guilt and sadness. I

was so frightened and I don't want others to know about

my status. I came to know about the Center of Hope

through someone and came to seek help. I was so relief

for the staff treated me with respect and kindness. I was

provided medicines and became better after taking

medications and counseling sessions. I now accepted my

status and I am really happy. I am owed my life to the

Center for the effective treatment and non judgmental

attitude of the caring staff. I will bravely share this to

others and work hard to make others aware of HIV.

Everyone should know how to prevent HIV infection,

practice safe sex. My advice to those HIV infected like

me - don't be ashamed, get treated and extend your lives

for life is worth living'.

“I am alive, I smile because ARV saved my life”.


24

We provide cutting edge

HIV healthcare services

with compassion and dedication

Universal access to HIV

testing and treatment

for all is the need of the hour

25

P2Rx Project: AHF India Cares initiated and provided

second line ARV drugs for the treatment for AIDS

Activists in India who failed first line regimen and are

unable to access the life saving medicines. This life saving

program was launched during AHF Global's Asia Pacific

Bureau Meet in March 2007. An advocacy rally 'Second

Line treatment for all NOW' was organized at India Gate in

New Delhi. AHF India Cares registered and provide much

needed second line medications for AIDS activists and

currently extend this program to include non activists

AIDS patients needing second line drugs from across the

states of India.

AIDS Healthcare foundation in the Asia Pacific is

committed to expand, enhance and achieve the goal of

saving life by building new pathways through clinical

care services and advocacy. AHF focused on issues

specific to the region such as access to treatment as

well as community enhanced HIV testing initiatives and

preventive measures.

AHF works in close partnership with national and local

governments, as well as other in country partners

committed to address the challenges of HIV epidemic

throughout the Asia Pacific Region. AHF innovative

Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the region has

expanded access to life saving ART services in India,

Cambodia, China, Viet Nam, Thailand and Nepal. AHF

program activities not only help build local capacity and

skills to scale up ART services but also empower each

member of the network it created to make it

sustainable and create a difference.

Model ART Centers

provides comprehensive HIV AIDS treatment, care and

support services free of cost. The first of our core

values is – 'Patient Centered' and AHF focus on the

holistic well being of patients which is paramount. AHF

COE's provided free services which includes pre and

post test counseling, HIV testing, CD4 tests, other

laboratory services, adherence, family counseling,

nursing care services, follow up and close monitoring

of patients on ART, free ARV drugs, OI treatment,

support group meetings, regular CME programs for

medical professionals, clinical preceptorship program,

positive lounge facilities for PLHAs and referral

services.

Collaborative ART Services

Center of Excellence (COE):

Treatment & Support


26

Building capacity and skills to

increase efficiency in HIV treatment

service is what we do

27

HIV Medics Training Program

Clinical, Social and Behavioral Research

Internship Program

Leadership Training

'HIV Medics training program' is an innovative program

conceived by AHF to address the urgent need for AIDS

care providers in resource poor settings. This WHO

cited best practice 'Task Shifting' program was started

in Uganda in 2004. 'HIV Medics' are treatment

extenders who perform routine, but time-consuming

tasks such as taking basic intake, recording of vitals

record medical history, dispensing and triage of

patients that frees up valuable time for doctors and

nurses to see and treat more patients. This program

has been successfully conducted in India and Viet Nam

in the Asia Pacific.

AHF aims to study and conducts social and behavioral

research in partnership with various organizations. The

organization has an IRB in place to start operational and

clinical research in its centers.

AHF Asia Pacific Bureau engages, encourages and

entertain internship placement programs where its vast

knowledge base and experience in providing holistic

HIV AIDS treatment, care and support services, NGO

management, monitoring and evaluation is being tapped

by students, activists and young professionals to

develop their capacity and skills in HIV knowledge,

management skills, proposal writing skills and research.

Students from various universities in India and abroad

have and benefited from this program.

Leadership Training is an integral component of

comprehensive HIV AIDS care services provided to AIDS

Technical Resource, Educationand Training (TREAT)

Activists at AHF India Cares. Capacity and skills building of

PLHAs as Positive Speakers is a program provided apart

from HIV AIDS treatment and regular follow up services

provided to patients. Training of PLHAs through regular in

house adherence and support group meetings helps to

bolster positive attitude in their lives.

The Health Task Force (HTF) is launched by AHF India

Cares supported by Boeing India to conduct community

outreach and bring HIV services such as testing, medical

care services, counseling, community awareness and

referrals for treatment and care. HTF team comprises of

professionals – nurses, counselors and other healthcare

professionals that bring healthcare and HIV education to

doors in the community.

Health Task Force

We provide technical

training and imbibe compassion

for excellence in healthcare


28

Ronit Roy

Bollywood Actor – Brand Ambassador,

STAY NEGATIVE Campaign

Be aware, get tested

Use condoms and STAY NEGATIVE

29

Advocacy is key to our success in achieving

greater impact to health equity and positive

changes in governance and policy-making.

Dr. Mahesh GanesanAdvocacy and Legal Affairs Manager

'Stay Negative' Campaign

Community Rapid HIV Testing Initiative

Advocacy for Affordable Drug Pricing

Coalition for AIDS Treatment Access (CATA)

Other Advocacy Initiatives

The Stay Negative campaign launched in India by AHF Brand

Ambassador Bollywood Actor Ronit Roy in July 2009,

Ms. Terri Ford, Senior Director Global Policy and Advocacy

and Ayappan CEO, HLL Life care Ltd. The campaign will

increase awareness, scale up testing and condom usage.

The HIV Testing Initiative is aimed to scale up HIV testing to

enhance access to HIV treatment. India, Cambodia and China

had tested about 100,000 in 2008 in partnership with NGOs

and Government agencies. A higher goal has been set for

2009 and beyond.

AHF India Cares rallied with civil societies, community based

organizations to lower generic ARV drug prices through

processions, press conferences, signature campaign and

advertisements through print and electronic media.

AHF India Cares initiated the coalition of more than 40 local

and national organizations to advocate for affordable drugs,

second line drugs, better treatment and efficient

treatment facilities for PLHAs.

AIDS Activists Alliance (3A), Grievances Redressal Center for

PLHA (GRCP), Positive Link Project, Women Alive,

Consortium of HIV AIDS Treatment Providers in Asia Pacific

(CHATPAP).

Advocacyand Policy


30

The future is

promising and together

we will make it happen

31

We will not rest, but

continue our crusade to provide

Health, Healing and Hope

AIDS Healthcare Foundation is well geared to grow,

expand and enhance its commitment to serve and

save more lives in the Asia Pacific Region.

We will continue our mission to provide cutting edge

medicine and advocacy with renewed vigor, fully

charged with the indomitable courage and

determination to halt the spread of HIV, remove

complacency, battle bureaucratic hurdles and tackle

growing concerns in the clinical management of HIV,

towards affordable access to newer molecules and

high end testing technologies for total control of

the epidemic.

At AHF we

strive dedicatedly 24 x 7 with a clear vision to bring new

ideas and as a catalyst for positive and sustainable change.

Our highly committed team works tirelessly in tandem with

our partners to achieve our goals. AHF's bold and creative

strategies proved to be highly effective for global control

of the HIV epidemic.

We are fully equipped to meet any challenge as we look

ahead into the future. We are pioneers in HIV management

and in safe guarding public health. We will broaden our

shoulder to carry forward more responsibilities to ensure

universal access to testing, treatment and saving lives. We

shall achieve these commitments through our hard work,

flexibility and nimbleness to embrace new discoveries,

innovations and strong advocacy. We shall ensure early

identification of HIV status; expand testing, creative

prevention models, building capacity and skills of healthcare

providers and promoting task shifting programs to address

the scourge of the epidemic.

AHF forward thinking, eye catching campaigns and

thought provoking efforts and will lead the way for

HIV AIDS control, protect public health in the Asia Pacific

Region and globally.

Way Forward


ahf: asia pacific bureau special report 2009

Documents

asia pacific region

ahf asia pacificbureau

global response

community hiv testing

special reportis

comprehensive healthcare

sentimentsof people

mission of ahf