Latest News
Latest Resources
Male intergenerational sexual relations in contemporary South Asia (PPT)
08-Aug-2007
Second country consultation and training meeting on male sexual health in Myanmar
12-Sep-2008
Sexual Behavior and Risk Factors for HIV Infection Among Homosexual and Bisexual Men in Thailand
30-Sep-2008
This website is sponsored by UNAIDS RST - Asia Pacific.
About APCOM
The Asia Pacific Coalition on Male Sexual Health (APCOM) is a regional coalition of MSM and HIV community-based organisations, the government sector, donors, technical experts and the UN system. The main purpose is advocating for political support and increases in investment and coverage of HIV services in Asia Pacific. APCOM promotes principles of good practice and lessons learnt by bringing together representatives from diverse groups in an effort to share experience, knowledge and expertise.
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Defining "MSM"
“Men who have sex with men” (MSM) is an inclusive public health term used to define the sexual behaviours of males having sex with other males, regardless of gender identity, motivation for engaging in sex or identification with any or no particular ‘community’. The words 'man' and 'sex' are interpreted differently in diverse cultures and societies as well as by the individuals involved. As a result, the term MSM covers a large variety of settings and contexts in which male to male sex takes place.
The Goals of APCOM
Increased investment: from governments, donors and civil society groups and communities in appropriate research and interventions for HIV prevention, treatment, care and support for men who have sex with men and transgenders in the Asia Pacific region.
Scaled up programmatic, geographic and comprehensive coverage: of HIV prevention, treatment, care and support interventions for men who have sex with men and transgenders in the Asia Pacific
Strengthen the evidence-base for advocacy, policy development, programming and the reducing societal, legal, and institutional obstacles for the above.
Advocacy in Action
Civil society success on the ground: a new publication from the Alliance and the Global Fund
In March 2008, the Global Fund launched its eighth funding round with a
specific focus on increasing the support that it provides to civil
society and community-based organisations – as an acknowledgement of
the important role that they play in scaling up services for HIV,
tuberculosis and malaria. Round 8 has seen a focus on supporting
community systems strengthening and promoting dual track financing.
Although new concepts for many, community systems strengthening and
dual track financing describe the work already underway in many
countries.
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New report on civil society engagement with The Global Fund and CCM
The International Treatment Preparedness Coalition (ITPC) has issued its
latest report, Making Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanisms work through full engagement of civil society.
The report looks at the functioning of country coordinating mechanisms (CCMs) in seven
countries - Argentina, Cambodia, Cameroon, India, Jamaica, Romania, and
Uganda - with a particular focus on civil society engagement in CCMs.
Research teams sought to look beyond simple issues of civil society
representation to understand whether and how civil society has had
meaningful involvement in the design and monitoring of Global
Fund-supported programming, and, ultimately, how civil society can be
most effective in improving delivery of Global Fund-supported services.
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From the Governing Board
Evidence of the increasing HIV burden that MSM are carrying is finally
coming to light, and is now beginning to influence policy making. At last,
some governments, donors, and the UN system are taking leadership in scaling
up effective responses. A window of opportunity exists in the region right
now, and APCOM intends to make a concerted effort to ensure MSM are included
in the drive for universal access.
Shivananda is the APCOM Chairperson and Chief Executive of Naz Foundation International and works from their Regional Office in Lucknow, India.
Due to language barriers, many Chinese groups cannot access international support. APCOM provides a platform to share experiences with others and keeps the Chinese MSM community up to date on issues. APCOM also can help reach out to the Chinese government, providing a good mechanism to aid decision making. My burden is heavy, I know, to work behalf of Chinese MSM as it is such a huge population but APCOM will help me to be successful in playing this important bridging role.
Zhen Li is the APCOM Community Representitive for China, co-founder of Beijing Gender Health Education Institute (BGGEI) and is now coordinator of the Civil Society Program of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) in China.
APCOM is one of the best mediums to bring together different nationalities and develop linkages with others working for HIV and MSM/TG. In India, it will be an important tool to influence authorities to change thinking and broaden outlooks for the betterment of society. APCOM demonstrates the essence of unity and solidarity within diversity.
Manvendra is the APCOM Community Representitive for India, Chairperson and Founder of Lakshya Trust in the State of Gujarat, India and serves on the Board of INFOSEM.