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Africa-Asia Interaction on AIDS
 The
Asia-Africa InterAction on AIDS is an initiative launched
in 2002 by ADAC, Kenya and Raks Thai Thailand with the support
of the Bangkok and Nairobi offices of the Rockefeller Foundation.
It aims to foster exchange and common learning by linking
kindred organisations in the Greater Mekong Subregion and
South-east Asia to like-minded organisations and individuals
in East Africa.
The
goal of this work is to build bridges across the geographical
divide to stimulate cross-learning and joint action; the sharing
of strategies, operational challenges and solutions; the documentation
of the lessons of many years of experience; and the creation
of a collective identity that communicates concerns at the
local level to global policy processes.
Asia
and Africa, two of the continents hardest hit by the AIDS
pandemic, are also the locations of some of the most creative
and effective responses to HIV/AIDS. Over the 20 years since
HIV was identified, community organisations and art groups
on these two continents have demonstrated remarkable skill,
flexibility and stamina in dealing with the many challenges
AIDS presents. Much of this work takes place in community
settings that are economically disadvantaged — where food,
jobs, water and security are not assured, and where health
systems are crumbling.
Both
continents have long histories in combating AIDS in resource-poor
settings and much wisdom and culture to offer in the fight
against the AIDS epidemic. Still, few opportunities exist
for the people of these regions to share their experiences
and learn from each other.
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