Preventing HIV/AIDS among Mobile Population in the Greater Mekong Subregion
Description: The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) is home to more than two million people with HIV. The majority of these people are in the 15 – 35 years age group. Mobility acts as a critical link in the transmission of HIV across the GMS. The disruption of family and community life resulting from mobility, especially in situations of poverty and crisis, contributes to vulnerability and greater risk of exposure to HIV/AIDS. While all of the GMS countries have national HIV/AIDS prevention programs, they do not specifically address mobile populations. The transmission of HIV/AIDS is not constrained by national borders, however, and the HIV epidemic is regional in nature. A regional approach to HIV prevention is therefore required. Prevention efforts are required at points of origin, along migration routes and at points of destination. The project worked closely with National governments of Cambodia, Peoples’ Republic of China, Myanmar, Lao PDR and Vietnam. Each country nominated Steering Committee member for the project supervising the project activity through the Technical Assistance Team and country coordinators. This project paved the way for comprehensive response to Mobility and HIV/AIDS in the Mekong region from various donor agencies including AusAID, JICA, CIDA, DFID, EU and World Bank.
Country/Region:Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam
Funding Agencies: ADB/UNDP
Partner Organisations: World Vision Australia
Project duration: April 2000-March 2002
Key Nossal Staff: Kyi Minn