SOUTH ASIAN ASSOCIATION OF REGIONAL COOPERATION (SAARC)

In terms of sheer number SAARC region has got the second highest number of PLWHIV in the world. SAARC leadership has already recognized HIV/AIDS as a major health and development threats for the region and demonstrated their commitment to reduce the spread of the epidemic in the region through the declaration during the 12th SAARC Summit (Islamabad 4-6 January, 2004) on access to easy and affordable prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, TB and other infectious diseases. Following the declaration SAARC Secretariat has signed an MOU with UNAIDS in April 2004 with an objective to contain HIV/AIDS epidemic in the region. The year 2004 was declared as the "SAARC Awareness Year for TB and HIV/AIDS".

With the new strategic direction from the second APLF steering committee meting in Shanghai, APLF has been working closely with SAARC Secretariat assisting them for developing the fist ever SAARC strategy on HIV and AIDS. During the 13th SAARC summit held in Dhaka on November 12-13, 2005 the SAARC leaders welcomed the preparation of a strategy for collective SAARC response to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS with a note for enhanced regional response and early implementation of the Regional Strategy.

SAARC Regional Strategy on HIV and AIDS (2006-2010) (click to download)