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issue 45
MICA ℗018/11/2013
Love gala 2013
8 t h S i n g a p o r e AI D S C o n f e r e n c e
H o w t o S t o p HIV & AI D S
W o r ld AI D S D a y 2 0 1 2 e v e n t s
Editorial
P r o f r o y c h a n
E d i t o r - i n - C h i e f
m i s s i o n
s t a t e m e n t
AfA is a caring NGO committed to AIDS prevention,
advocacy and support. Our mission is to prevent
transmission of HIV/AIDS through continuous education
targeted at vulnerable groups; to advocate for access to
affordable care and against HIV/AIDS discrimination; and
to provide support to PWAs, caregivers and volunteers.
E x e c u t i v e
C o m m i t t ee
President
Prof Roy Chan
Vice President
Dr Lee Cheng Chuan
c o n t e n t s
Hon. Secretary
Mr Thomas Ng
1
Editorial
Prof. Roy Chan
2
Opening Speech
Prof Roy Chan
Co-chair of the 8th Singapore AIDS Conference
Asst Hon Secretary
Ms Dawn Mok
Hon. Treasurer
6
Ms Caroline Fernandez
Committee Members
A/Prof Paul Anantharajah Tambyah
Mr Saxone Woon
Keynote Speech
Laurindo Garcia
14
Declaration of the 8th Singapore AIDS Conference
15
How to stop HIV and AIDS
18
Love Gala 2012
24
8th Singapore AIDS Conference
26
Linkage to Care for Newly Diagnosed HIV+ Patients
through Financial Incenti ves
28
Establishing Relationsjops with Pubs to Engage Men to
use Condoms
29
Promoting Safer Sex for HMOs to Batam/Bintan
30
Reaching Out Through Getai to Create HIV/AIDS Awareness
31
AIDS Walk 2012
Ms Cheryl Yeo
S t a f f
Executive Director
Mr Donovan Lo
Snr Programme Manager
Mr Terry Lim
PLC Manager
Ms Norani Othman
MTS Manager
Mr Anwar Hashim
Mr Peter Connell
Snr Programme Executive
Accounts and Admin Executive
Mr TP Tan
Programme Executives
32
Providing a Supporti ve Environment in the Workplace
35
Projects & Programmes
Snr Programme Coordinator
Mr Roger Soh
Mr Edwin Lim
Programme Coordinators
Mr Thomas Ang
Mr Lokman Mohdar
Mr Jerome Lam
The views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect thoseof the Editorial
Board. To help raise awareness in the global fight against this disease, we encourage
reproduction of the articles for non-profit educational purposes. Please inform us
first and credit The Act as the source. If you are interested to be on our mailing list,
please send us your cont act details.
We are also very happy to present the new AfA
logo, which has been given a major facelift by
the creative team at Immortal. Our goals and
functions have evolved over the years and our
new logo reflects this change. It is fresher,
softer, and of the times. It resonates with our
focus on care, tolerance, community, dignity,
equality and, of course, Love.
LOVE 2012 was one of our most successful fund
raising events in many years and was attended
by over 50 0 guests. We raised over $320,0 0 0
to sustain current programmes and begin new
ones to GET TO ZERO. It is with the generosity
of our supporters and sponsors that we are
able to continue the work to keep people alive,
to reach out to vulnerable persons, to prevent
new infections, and to defeat stigma and
discrimination.
Clinic Manager
Mr Joe Wong
MICA (P) 018/11/2013
a face, a body and a personality in our fight
against the infection.
Dr Wong Chen Seong
Mr Avin Tan
THE ACT is published by Action for AIDS (Singapore)
c/o DSC Clinic
31 Kelant an Lane, #02-16
Singapore 20 0 031
T 6254 0212, F 6256 5903
E info@afa.org .sg , W www.afa.org,sg
The end of the year is always the busiest
time for us. This issue of the ACT features the
8th Singapore AIDS Conference and LOVE 2012
held respectively in November and December
2012. The AIDS Conference had as its theme
“Getting to Zero – Zero New Infections,
Zero Stigma, Zero Deaths”. It was well attended
by over 40 0 delegates and featured 2 keynote
addresses, 6 symposia and culminated in the
Declaration of the Conference that was signed
by over 660 persons, including Dr Amy Khor,
Minister of State for Health and Manpower,
and Chairman of the National AIDS Policy
Committee.
E d i t o r i a l
B o a r d
Prof Roy Chan (Editor-in-chief)
A/Prof Paul Anantharajah Tambyah
Mr Peter Connell
At LOVE 2012 we also presented our first
ever Red Ribbon Awards to 5 outstanding
individuals and organisations who share our
vision, they have been valuable allies in our
ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS in Singapore.
The awards were presented to: Reverend Yap
Kim Hao, MAC AIDS Fund, Club 21, The Straits
Times and LUSH 99.5FM.
I’d like to acknowledge someone I have had
the pleasure of working with very closely for
the last 4 years. Avin informed me he was HIV
positive several months ago; it took me by
surprise. I was even more surprised when he
asked me for my thoughts about him going
public about his infection. It takes courage and
commitment that most of us will never, ever be
able to fathom to make that decision. It also
needs the support of his family and friends,
who have rallied around him.
Dr Lee Cheng Chuan
Mr Donovan Lo
Ms Dawn Mok
The Act Issue 45 is designed by
The Press Room.
www.thepressroom.com.sg
There are roughly 4,0 0 0 persons known to be
living with HIV in Singapore, probably several
thousand more who are yet to be detected, and
perhaps others getting infected as we speak.
Avin is the only one who has now given HIV
We are proud and very excited to present our new logo and visual
identity. This is the third iteration: the original logo was designed by
Immortal, the second by Saatchi and Saatchi, and this ver sion is once
again provided by Immortal.
The AfA identity was due for a revolutionary update. Formed in 1988,
AfA has evolved its functions and objecti ves – from the promotion
of basic public awareness of HIV/AIDS and starting up support and
assistance for per sons li ving with HIV infection, to the present day
role that requires greater coordination and collaboration, deli vering
complex prevention and care programmes in a globalised and connected
society. We have retained our mission to enhance under standing of
HIV/AIDS and combating discrimination and stigmatisation of PWAs.
The new identity has tak en a softer graphic approach to reflect the
following attributes: love, care, support, community, dignity and
advocacy. We have introduced a lowercase typeface to demonstrate
a softer side of the organisation. The flow of the typeface has a hint
of the awareness symbol – fight against AIDS. The ligature of the
alphabets evok es care, support and community. The change to a deeper
RED and the use of GREY is a more progressi ve usage of colour s for
the organisation.
The stunning new graphics reflect greater confidence and clarity as we
face new challenges in our mission to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS
in Singapore.
Editorial
P r o f r o y c h a n
E d i t o r - i n - C h i e f
m i s s i o n
s t a t e m e n t
AfA is a caring NGO committed to AIDS prevention,
advocacy and support. Our mission is to prevent
transmission of HIV/AIDS through continuous education
targeted at vulnerable groups; to advocate for access to
affordable care and against HIV/AIDS discrimination; and
to provide support to PWAs, caregivers and volunteers.
E x e c u t i v e
C o m m i t t ee
President
Prof Roy Chan
Vice President
Dr Lee Cheng Chuan
c o n t e n t s
Hon. Secretary
Mr Thomas Ng
1
Editorial
Prof. Roy Chan
2
Opening Speech
Prof Roy Chan
Co-chair of the 8th Singapore AIDS Conference
Asst Hon Secretary
Ms Dawn Mok
Hon. Treasurer
6
Ms Caroline Fernandez
Committee Members
A/Prof Paul Anantharajah Tambyah
Mr Saxone Woon
Keynote Speech
Laurindo Garcia
14
Declaration of the 8th Singapore AIDS Conference
15
How to stop HIV and AIDS
18
Love Gala 2012
24
8th Singapore AIDS Conference
26
Linkage to Care for Newly Diagnosed HIV+ Patients
through Financial Incenti ves
28
Establishing Relationsjops with Pubs to Engage Men to
use Condoms
29
Promoting Safer Sex for HMOs to Batam/Bintan
30
Reaching Out Through Getai to Create HIV/AIDS Awareness
31
AIDS Walk 2012
Ms Cheryl Yeo
S t a f f
Executive Director
Mr Donovan Lo
Snr Programme Manager
Mr Terry Lim
PLC Manager
Ms Norani Othman
MTS Manager
Mr Anwar Hashim
Mr Peter Connell
Snr Programme Executive
Accounts and Admin Executive
Mr TP Tan
Programme Executives
32
Providing a Supporti ve Environment in the Workplace
35
Projects & Programmes
Snr Programme Coordinator
Mr Roger Soh
Mr Edwin Lim
Programme Coordinators
Mr Thomas Ang
Mr Lokman Mohdar
Mr Jerome Lam
The views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect thoseof the Editorial
Board. To help raise awareness in the global fight against this disease, we encourage
reproduction of the articles for non-profit educational purposes. Please inform us
first and credit The Act as the source. If you are interested to be on our mailing list,
please send us your cont act details.
We are also very happy to present the new AfA
logo, which has been given a major facelift by
the creative team at Immortal. Our goals and
functions have evolved over the years and our
new logo reflects this change. It is fresher,
softer, and of the times. It resonates with our
focus on care, tolerance, community, dignity,
equality and, of course, Love.
LOVE 2012 was one of our most successful fund
raising events in many years and was attended
by over 50 0 guests. We raised over $320,0 0 0
to sustain current programmes and begin new
ones to GET TO ZERO. It is with the generosity
of our supporters and sponsors that we are
able to continue the work to keep people alive,
to reach out to vulnerable persons, to prevent
new infections, and to defeat stigma and
discrimination.
Clinic Manager
Mr Joe Wong
MICA (P) 018/11/2013
a face, a body and a personality in our fight
against the infection.
Dr Wong Chen Seong
Mr Avin Tan
THE ACT is published by Action for AIDS (Singapore)
c/o DSC Clinic
31 Kelant an Lane, #02-16
Singapore 20 0 031
T 6254 0212, F 6256 5903
E info@afa.org .sg , W www.afa.org,sg
The end of the year is always the busiest
time for us. This issue of the ACT features the
8th Singapore AIDS Conference and LOVE 2012
held respectively in November and December
2012. The AIDS Conference had as its theme
“Getting to Zero – Zero New Infections,
Zero Stigma, Zero Deaths”. It was well attended
by over 40 0 delegates and featured 2 keynote
addresses, 6 symposia and culminated in the
Declaration of the Conference that was signed
by over 660 persons, including Dr Amy Khor,
Minister of State for Health and Manpower,
and Chairman of the National AIDS Policy
Committee.
E d i t o r i a l
B o a r d
Prof Roy Chan (Editor-in-chief)
A/Prof Paul Anantharajah Tambyah
Mr Peter Connell
At LOVE 2012 we also presented our first
ever Red Ribbon Awards to 5 outstanding
individuals and organisations who share our
vision, they have been valuable allies in our
ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS in Singapore.
The awards were presented to: Reverend Yap
Kim Hao, MAC AIDS Fund, Club 21, The Straits
Times and LUSH 99.5FM.
I’d like to acknowledge someone I have had
the pleasure of working with very closely for
the last 4 years. Avin informed me he was HIV
positive several months ago; it took me by
surprise. I was even more surprised when he
asked me for my thoughts about him going
public about his infection. It takes courage and
commitment that most of us will never, ever be
able to fathom to make that decision. It also
needs the support of his family and friends,
who have rallied around him.
Dr Lee Cheng Chuan
Mr Donovan Lo
Ms Dawn Mok
The Act Issue 45 is designed by
The Press Room.
www.thepressroom.com.sg
There are roughly 4,0 0 0 persons known to be
living with HIV in Singapore, probably several
thousand more who are yet to be detected, and
perhaps others getting infected as we speak.
Avin is the only one who has now given HIV
We are proud and very excited to present our new logo and visual
identity. This is the third iteration: the original logo was designed by
Immortal, the second by Saatchi and Saatchi, and this ver sion is once
again provided by Immortal.
The AfA identity was due for a revolutionary update. Formed in 1988,
AfA has evolved its functions and objecti ves – from the promotion
of basic public awareness of HIV/AIDS and starting up support and
assistance for per sons li ving with HIV infection, to the present day
role that requires greater coordination and collaboration, deli vering
complex prevention and care programmes in a globalised and connected
society. We have retained our mission to enhance under standing of
HIV/AIDS and combating discrimination and stigmatisation of PWAs.
The new identity has tak en a softer graphic approach to reflect the
following attributes: love, care, support, community, dignity and
advocacy. We have introduced a lowercase typeface to demonstrate
a softer side of the organisation. The flow of the typeface has a hint
of the awareness symbol – fight against AIDS. The ligature of the
alphabets evok es care, support and community. The change to a deeper
RED and the use of GREY is a more progressi ve usage of colour s for
the organisation.
The stunning new graphics reflect greater confidence and clarity as we
face new challenges in our mission to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS
in Singapore.
The Act Issue no. 45
o p e n i n g s p ee c h
P r o f R o y
C o - c h a i r
C h a n
o f t h e
8 t h
S i n g a p o r e
AIDS
C o n f e r e n c e
1 7 N o v e m be r 2 0 1 2 ,
Mandarin Orchard Hotel
Good morning and welcome
Singapore AIDS Conference.
to
the
8th
Dr Amy Khor, Minis t e r o f S t a t e f o r H e a l t h
and Manpower, and C h a i r m a n o f t h e N a t i o n a l
AIDS Policy Committe e ; d i s t i n g u i s h e d g u e s t s ;
dear fr iends and coll e a g u e s .
The theme of the 8th Singapore AIDS
Conference is Getting to Zero – Zero Deaths
from AIDS, Zero New HIV Infections and Zero
AIDS-related Discrimination. The Organising
Committee believes that these targets, though
lofty, must be the ultimate goals for Singapore.
Fir st let me address t h e t a r g e t o f Z e r o A I D S related Deaths in Sin ga p o r e .
The lo cal AIDS mort a l i t y r a t e i s b e t w e e n 5
and 10%. Whilst we ca n n o t p r e v e n t a l l d e a t h s ,
it is possible to redu c e t h e m o rt a l i t y r a t e b y
providing resources f o r t h e f o l l o w i n g :
• Earlier diagnosis.
• Increasing HIV test i n g o p p o rt u n i t i e s .
• Ensuring link age to c a r e f o r t h o s e w h o
test positi ve.
• Improving retentio n i n c a r e .
• Increasing access t o a ff o r d a b l e a n t i retroviral medicati o n s .
• Doing our best to m a k e s u r e t h a t P W H A s
on treatment are s u c c e s s f u l l y H I V
suppressed and for t h e l o n g t e r m .
Ho w ar e we d o i n g ?
• 5 3 % o f a l l S i n ga p o r e r e s i d e n t s h a d l a t e s t a g e i n f e c t i o n a t d i a g n o s i s i n 2 011 – 4 3 %
o f M S M , 6 5 % o f h e t e r o s e x u a l s . Pr o g n o s i s
is poorer when immunodeficiency is
severe, there are more infectious and other
complications and less optimal response
t o A RV t r e a t m e n t .
• To i n c r e a s e e a r l y d i a g n o s i s , w e n e e d t o
s t u d y a n d u n d e r s t a n d t h e r e a s o n s w hy
persons who are at risk do not get tested.
I n a d d i t i o n t o f e a r a n d a n x i e t y, i s i t a l s o
because it is not that easy to get a test.
• We m u s t s i m p l i f y a n d e x p e d i t e t h e p r o c e s s
o f l i n k i n g p e r s o n s w h o t e s t H I V- p o s i t i v e
to care facilities – whether they are
t e s t e d i n a n o ny m o u s t e s t - s i t e s , o u t r e a ch
programmes, in clinics and hospitals, or
even in their homes, whether they test
i n S i n ga p o r e o r ov e r s e a s . We s h o u l d
i n t r o d u c e i n c e n t i v e s a n d r e m ov e b a rr i e r s .
The same goes for increasing retention in
care, where we need to understand and
reduce defaulter rates.
M a ny o f t h e s e p o i n t s a r e a d d r e s s e d i n
p r e s e n t a t i o n s i n t h e Sy m p o s i a t o d a y o n
Ac c e s s t o Tr e a t m e n t ; H I V- A s s o c i a t e d N o n AI D S C o m p l i c a t i o n s ; a n d C a r e & S u p p o rt –
Po s i t i v e L i v i n g . To p c l i n i c i a n s a n d r e s e a r ch e r s
from around the region and locally will
present their findings and suggest solutions.
3
The Act Issue no. 45
o p e n i n g s p ee c h
P r o f R o y
C o - c h a i r
C h a n
o f t h e
8 t h
S i n g a p o r e
AIDS
C o n f e r e n c e
1 7 N o v e m be r 2 0 1 2 ,
Mandarin Orchard Hotel
Good morning and welcome
Singapore AIDS Conference.
to
the
8th
Dr Amy Khor, Minis t e r o f S t a t e f o r H e a l t h
and Manpower, and C h a i r m a n o f t h e N a t i o n a l
AIDS Policy Committe e ; d i s t i n g u i s h e d g u e s t s ;
dear fr iends and coll e a g u e s .
The theme of the 8th Singapore AIDS
Conference is Getting to Zero – Zero Deaths
from AIDS, Zero New HIV Infections and Zero
AIDS-related Discrimination. The Organising
Committee believes that these targets, though
lofty, must be the ultimate goals for Singapore.
Fir st let me address t h e t a r g e t o f Z e r o A I D S related Deaths in Sin ga p o r e .
The lo cal AIDS mort a l i t y r a t e i s b e t w e e n 5
and 10%. Whilst we ca n n o t p r e v e n t a l l d e a t h s ,
it is possible to redu c e t h e m o rt a l i t y r a t e b y
providing resources f o r t h e f o l l o w i n g :
• Earlier diagnosis.
• Increasing HIV test i n g o p p o rt u n i t i e s .
• Ensuring link age to c a r e f o r t h o s e w h o
test positi ve.
• Improving retentio n i n c a r e .
• Increasing access t o a ff o r d a b l e a n t i retroviral medicati o n s .
• Doing our best to m a k e s u r e t h a t P W H A s
on treatment are s u c c e s s f u l l y H I V
suppressed and for t h e l o n g t e r m .
Ho w ar e we d o i n g ?
• 5 3 % o f a l l S i n ga p o r e r e s i d e n t s h a d l a t e s t a g e i n f e c t i o n a t d i a g n o s i s i n 2 011 – 4 3 %
o f M S M , 6 5 % o f h e t e r o s e x u a l s . Pr o g n o s i s
is poorer when immunodeficiency is
severe, there are more infectious and other
complications and less optimal response
t o A RV t r e a t m e n t .
• To i n c r e a s e e a r l y d i a g n o s i s , w e n e e d t o
s t u d y a n d u n d e r s t a n d t h e r e a s o n s w hy
persons who are at risk do not get tested.
I n a d d i t i o n t o f e a r a n d a n x i e t y, i s i t a l s o
because it is not that easy to get a test.
• We m u s t s i m p l i f y a n d e x p e d i t e t h e p r o c e s s
o f l i n k i n g p e r s o n s w h o t e s t H I V- p o s i t i v e
to care facilities – whether they are
t e s t e d i n a n o ny m o u s t e s t - s i t e s , o u t r e a ch
programmes, in clinics and hospitals, or
even in their homes, whether they test
i n S i n ga p o r e o r ov e r s e a s . We s h o u l d
i n t r o d u c e i n c e n t i v e s a n d r e m ov e b a rr i e r s .
The same goes for increasing retention in
care, where we need to understand and
reduce defaulter rates.
M a ny o f t h e s e p o i n t s a r e a d d r e s s e d i n
p r e s e n t a t i o n s i n t h e Sy m p o s i a t o d a y o n
Ac c e s s t o Tr e a t m e n t ; H I V- A s s o c i a t e d N o n AI D S C o m p l i c a t i o n s ; a n d C a r e & S u p p o rt –
Po s i t i v e L i v i n g . To p c l i n i c i a n s a n d r e s e a r ch e r s
from around the region and locally will
present their findings and suggest solutions.
3
The Act Issue no. 45
5
We cannot stop the spread of HIV infection until
we make major headway against the stigma and
discrimination suffered by persons living with
HIV and the most affected communities.
Ne x t - Ze ro New In fecti o n s
Statistics on the A I D S / H I V e p i d e m i c i n
Singapore are still n o t e n c o u r a g i n g . We
continue to report i n c r e a s i n g n u m b e r s o f
newly diagnosed HIV i n f e c t i o n s y e a r o n y e a r.
The most seriously a ff e c t e d p o p u l a t i o n i s
men who have sex w i t h m e n ( M S M ) , w h o
now constitute the la r g e s t n u m b e r o f n e w l y
diagnosed infections . M S M a r e a l s o g e tt i n g
infected at a younger a g e t h a n h e t e r o s e x u a l s .
The next at-risk gr o u p s a r e h e t e r o s e x u a l
clients of sex work e r s , f o l l o w e d b y t h e i r
partner s. Preliminary d a t a f o r 2 012 s h o w a
similar pattern and n u m b e r o f H I V i n f e c t i o n s
as in 2 011.
In
the
2011
venu e - b a s e d
HIV
testing
progra mme for MSM , r e s u l t s i n d i c a t e t h a t
the crude surrogate H I V i n c i d e n c e r a t e i n t h e
MSM c ommunity is a r o u n d 2 % . T h i s , t o g e t h e r
with 5.4% sero-posit i v i t y i n M S M c l i e n t s a t
AfA’s anonymous tes t - s i t e i n 2 011 , s u g g e s t s
that the national s e r o p r e v a l a n c e o f H I V
among MSM is most p r o b a b l y ov e r 5 % .
How ca n we impro ve the si tu ati o n ?
• Speak er s at the Sy m p o s i a o n E a r l y Te s t i n g
And Link age To Car e ; So c i a l A n d B e h a v i o r a l
Interventions, and B i o m e d i c a l S t r a t e g i e s
For Prevention w i l l a tt e m p t t o p r ov i d e
som e answer s.
• Biomedical strateg i e s t h a t i nvo l v e t h e u s e
of ARV are approach e s t h a t a r e b e i n g t o u t e d
b y r e s e a r ch e r s , p l a n n e r s a n d p r o g r a m m e
managers all around the world.
• Tr e a t m e n t a s Pr e v e n t i o n a n d t a r g e t e d Pr e e x p o s u r e Pr o p hy l a x i s h a v e m ov e d b e y o n d
p r o o f o f c o n c e p t r e s e a r ch . I n t h e l a s t 12
m o n t h s , s e v e r a l Tr e a t m e n t a s Pr e v e n t i o n
programmes have been introduced, as
h a v e d e m o n s t r a t i o n p r o j e c t s f o r Pr e E x p o s u r e Pr o p hy l a x i s .
• Re s e a r ch i n t o t h e s e n e w p r e v e n t i o n
strategies has also clearly shown the
b e n e f i t s o f A RV t r e a t m e n t , n o t o n l y o n
disease progression in the individual
but also on disease transmission at the
population level.
W i l l t h e s e b e t h e n e w a d d i t i o n a l a p p r o a ch e s
that we need to control the spread of HIV
i n f e c t i o n ? So m e p e o p l e d e f i n i t e l y t h i n k s o .
Yo u c a n f i n d o u t m o r e a t t h e s e s y m p o s i a .
Ho w e v e r
we
must
address
the
A RV
a c c e s s i b i l i t y a n d a ff o r d a b i l i t y i s s u e s i f w e
i n t e n d t o b e s u c c e s s f u l i n t h e s e e n d e a vo u r s .
Let u s n o w l o o k at Z e r o D iscr i mi n at i o n
T h i s i s t h e ov e r a r ch i n g t h e m e t h a t t r a n s c e n d s
a l l o t h e r s . We c a n n o t s t o p t h e s p r e a d o f
H I V i n f e c t i o n u n t i l w e m a k e m a j o r h e a d wa y
a ga i n s t
the
stigma
and
discrimination
s u ff e r e d b y p e r s o n s l i v i n g w i t h H I V a n d t h e
m o s t a ff e c t e d c o m m u n i t i e s .
We c a n r e d u c e s t i g m a t h r o u g h e n ga g i n g a n d
e m p o w e r i n g a ff e c t e d i n d i v i d u a l s a n d g r o u p s ,
provide detailed information about HIV,
through edutainment and media campaigns,
and community dialogue.
We can start to reduce discrimination through
law reform, enforcement of protecti ve laws,
training health work er s, police, judges
educating people about their rights, and
provision of legal services.
Today we will hear the voices of three
per sons li ving with HIV infection – Laurindo
who is from the Philppines, Michael who is
from Malaysia, and Avin, my colleague from
Singapore. This is the fir st time in 15 year s
that we have had a Singaporean come out
and talk about his experience li ving with HIV:
Avin we are so immensely proud of you!
In order that the work that has gone into
the preparation of this conference and
the discussions and findings will not be in
vain, the 8th Singapore AIDS Conference
Declaration was written and is now presented
to conference participants and all interested
member s of the public to support. In
the document, we will work towards the
following:
•
•
•
•
Create an enabling environment.
Expand prevention efforts.
Ensure access to antiretroviral treatment.
Provide accessible, non-discriminatory
and comprehensi ve care.
• Review, monitor and evaluate our
progress.
We ask all of you to sign the document if you
have not already done so, and to spread the
word to your colleagues at work and families
and friends. Signing on the document is a
simple but pow erful show of solidarity with
people li ving with HIV and AIDS and the
scores of health care work er s, scientists,
volunteer s, educator s and advocates for us to
move together t o try to end the HIV epidemic
here in Singapo re.
This year in addition to the main track in this
ballroom, there will be a programme targetting
young people in Ballroom 3 next door that also
accommodates a larger community space.
I would lik e to acknowledge the hard work and
resolve of my colleagues in the Organising
Committee who have work ed so well as a
team, and who have come up with great ideas
and suggestions.
On behalf of the Organising Committee I
would lik e to thank our generous donor s and
sponsor s – without your support none of this
would have been possible – and our eminent
speak er s, both from over seas and Singapore,
who have made the time and effort to share
their experiences and lessons with us.
The Act Issue no. 45
5
We cannot stop the spread of HIV infection until
we make major headway against the stigma and
discrimination suffered by persons living with
HIV and the most affected communities.
Ne x t - Ze ro New In fecti o n s
Statistics on the A I D S / H I V e p i d e m i c i n
Singapore are still n o t e n c o u r a g i n g . We
continue to report i n c r e a s i n g n u m b e r s o f
newly diagnosed HIV i n f e c t i o n s y e a r o n y e a r.
The most seriously a ff e c t e d p o p u l a t i o n i s
men who have sex w i t h m e n ( M S M ) , w h o
now constitute the la r g e s t n u m b e r o f n e w l y
diagnosed infections . M S M a r e a l s o g e tt i n g
infected at a younger a g e t h a n h e t e r o s e x u a l s .
The next at-risk gr o u p s a r e h e t e r o s e x u a l
clients of sex work e r s , f o l l o w e d b y t h e i r
partner s. Preliminary d a t a f o r 2 012 s h o w a
similar pattern and n u m b e r o f H I V i n f e c t i o n s
as in 2 011.
In
the
2011
venu e - b a s e d
HIV
testing
progra mme for MSM , r e s u l t s i n d i c a t e t h a t
the crude surrogate H I V i n c i d e n c e r a t e i n t h e
MSM c ommunity is a r o u n d 2 % . T h i s , t o g e t h e r
with 5.4% sero-posit i v i t y i n M S M c l i e n t s a t
AfA’s anonymous tes t - s i t e i n 2 011 , s u g g e s t s
that the national s e r o p r e v a l a n c e o f H I V
among MSM is most p r o b a b l y ov e r 5 % .
How ca n we impro ve the si tu ati o n ?
• Speak er s at the Sy m p o s i a o n E a r l y Te s t i n g
And Link age To Car e ; So c i a l A n d B e h a v i o r a l
Interventions, and B i o m e d i c a l S t r a t e g i e s
For Prevention w i l l a tt e m p t t o p r ov i d e
som e answer s.
• Biomedical strateg i e s t h a t i nvo l v e t h e u s e
of ARV are approach e s t h a t a r e b e i n g t o u t e d
b y r e s e a r ch e r s , p l a n n e r s a n d p r o g r a m m e
managers all around the world.
• Tr e a t m e n t a s Pr e v e n t i o n a n d t a r g e t e d Pr e e x p o s u r e Pr o p hy l a x i s h a v e m ov e d b e y o n d
p r o o f o f c o n c e p t r e s e a r ch . I n t h e l a s t 12
m o n t h s , s e v e r a l Tr e a t m e n t a s Pr e v e n t i o n
programmes have been introduced, as
h a v e d e m o n s t r a t i o n p r o j e c t s f o r Pr e E x p o s u r e Pr o p hy l a x i s .
• Re s e a r ch i n t o t h e s e n e w p r e v e n t i o n
strategies has also clearly shown the
b e n e f i t s o f A RV t r e a t m e n t , n o t o n l y o n
disease progression in the individual
but also on disease transmission at the
population level.
W i l l t h e s e b e t h e n e w a d d i t i o n a l a p p r o a ch e s
that we need to control the spread of HIV
i n f e c t i o n ? So m e p e o p l e d e f i n i t e l y t h i n k s o .
Yo u c a n f i n d o u t m o r e a t t h e s e s y m p o s i a .
Ho w e v e r
we
must
address
the
A RV
a c c e s s i b i l i t y a n d a ff o r d a b i l i t y i s s u e s i f w e
i n t e n d t o b e s u c c e s s f u l i n t h e s e e n d e a vo u r s .
Let u s n o w l o o k at Z e r o D iscr i mi n at i o n
T h i s i s t h e ov e r a r ch i n g t h e m e t h a t t r a n s c e n d s
a l l o t h e r s . We c a n n o t s t o p t h e s p r e a d o f
H I V i n f e c t i o n u n t i l w e m a k e m a j o r h e a d wa y
a ga i n s t
the
stigma
and
discrimination
s u ff e r e d b y p e r s o n s l i v i n g w i t h H I V a n d t h e
m o s t a ff e c t e d c o m m u n i t i e s .
We c a n r e d u c e s t i g m a t h r o u g h e n ga g i n g a n d
e m p o w e r i n g a ff e c t e d i n d i v i d u a l s a n d g r o u p s ,
provide detailed information about HIV,
through edutainment and media campaigns,
and community dialogue.
We can start to reduce discrimination through
law reform, enforcement of protecti ve laws,
training health work er s, police, judges
educating people about their rights, and
provision of legal services.
Today we will hear the voices of three
per sons li ving with HIV infection – Laurindo
who is from the Philppines, Michael who is
from Malaysia, and Avin, my colleague from
Singapore. This is the fir st time in 15 year s
that we have had a Singaporean come out
and talk about his experience li ving with HIV:
Avin we are so immensely proud of you!
In order that the work that has gone into
the preparation of this conference and
the discussions and findings will not be in
vain, the 8th Singapore AIDS Conference
Declaration was written and is now presented
to conference participants and all interested
member s of the public to support. In
the document, we will work towards the
following:
•
•
•
•
Create an enabling environment.
Expand prevention efforts.
Ensure access to antiretroviral treatment.
Provide accessible, non-discriminatory
and comprehensi ve care.
• Review, monitor and evaluate our
progress.
We ask all of you to sign the document if you
have not already done so, and to spread the
word to your colleagues at work and families
and friends. Signing on the document is a
simple but pow erful show of solidarity with
people li ving with HIV and AIDS and the
scores of health care work er s, scientists,
volunteer s, educator s and advocates for us to
move together t o try to end the HIV epidemic
here in Singapo re.
This year in addition to the main track in this
ballroom, there will be a programme targetting
young people in Ballroom 3 next door that also
accommodates a larger community space.
I would lik e to acknowledge the hard work and
resolve of my colleagues in the Organising
Committee who have work ed so well as a
team, and who have come up with great ideas
and suggestions.
On behalf of the Organising Committee I
would lik e to thank our generous donor s and
sponsor s – without your support none of this
would have been possible – and our eminent
speak er s, both from over seas and Singapore,
who have made the time and effort to share
their experiences and lessons with us.
k e y n o t e s p ee c h
L a u r i n d o
g a r c i a
8 t h S i n g a p o r e AIDS C o n f e r e n c e
1 7 N o v e m be r 2 0 1 2 ,
Mandarin Orchard Hotel
Hon. Dr Amy Khor, Minister of State for Health,
Colleagues and Friends in the fight to combat
HIV and AIDS, good morning.
First, I would like to thank the conference
organising committee for gi ving me this
unique opportunity to join you all bright and
early on a Saturday morning. I am here to talk
about transformations and I’d lik e to start by
telling you a love story.
Eight years ago, I came to Singapore to
reunite with someone special - a Singaporean
whom I had met in 20 04. And after meeting
this person, I decided to cancel my plans for
London, and set my sights on opportunities,
both profession and per sonal, that I had yet
to discover in Southeast Asia. My relationship
with this Singaporean blossomed and, at the
same time, I was very fortunate to be offered
a job as a journalist at a local newspaper. The
future looked bright – both for my career and,
most importantly, with this special someone.
Less than three months on, as I was beginning
to settle in and get my new life in Singapore
in order, I found out about my HIV status. That
news came at the end of a work visa application
process. All of a sudden, all those nicely laid
plans came crashing down, and a cloud of
uncertainty hung over my head, the head of a
new-found partner and that of my family.
After I picked myself up, and made sure my
health was stable, a passion for working
with the community – a passion that I had
in my uni ver sity days as an environmental
campaigner – was reignited. So I set out on a
path to encourage people, including but not
limited to those li ving with and most affected by
HIV, as well as gays, lesbians and transgender
people, to participate acti vely and contribute
to our society across the Asia-Pacific region.
The series of events that followed since
that day in 20 04 transformed me and my
life. I never dreamed that eight year s after
my diagnosis, I would tak e to the stage this
year, at the International AIDS Conference in
Washington D.C, and be chosen to speak right
before former U.S President Bill Clinton.
And I never dreamed that after that diagnosis
eight year s ago, in a clinic in Raffles Place,
after all the uncertainty about my health, my
future, my relationship and my career, that I
would be standing here today – addressing
my colleagues, friends and, I’m proud to say,
that man I met in 20 04 (who is now my longterm partner) – at the 8th Singapore AIDS
Conference. So thank you again for inviting
me to share my experiences, and also for the
opportunity to learn from fellow colleagues
here in Singapore, and to learn from those who
came from across the region for this event.
It means at lot that people li ving with HIV are
gi ven a voice and can acti vely participate in
The Act Issue no. 45
“As I was beginning to settle in and get my new life
n Singapore in order, I found out about my HIV status.
All of a sudden, all those nicely laid plans came
crashing down, and a cloud of uncertainty hung over
my head…”
7
k e y n o t e s p ee c h
L a u r i n d o
g a r c i a
8 t h S i n g a p o r e AIDS C o n f e r e n c e
1 7 N o v e m be r 2 0 1 2 ,
Mandarin Orchard Hotel
Hon. Dr Amy Khor, Minister of State for Health,
Colleagues and Friends in the fight to combat
HIV and AIDS, good morning.
First, I would like to thank the conference
organising committee for gi ving me this
unique opportunity to join you all bright and
early on a Saturday morning. I am here to talk
about transformations and I’d lik e to start by
telling you a love story.
Eight years ago, I came to Singapore to
reunite with someone special - a Singaporean
whom I had met in 20 04. And after meeting
this person, I decided to cancel my plans for
London, and set my sights on opportunities,
both profession and per sonal, that I had yet
to discover in Southeast Asia. My relationship
with this Singaporean blossomed and, at the
same time, I was very fortunate to be offered
a job as a journalist at a local newspaper. The
future looked bright – both for my career and,
most importantly, with this special someone.
Less than three months on, as I was beginning
to settle in and get my new life in Singapore
in order, I found out about my HIV status. That
news came at the end of a work visa application
process. All of a sudden, all those nicely laid
plans came crashing down, and a cloud of
uncertainty hung over my head, the head of a
new-found partner and that of my family.
After I picked myself up, and made sure my
health was stable, a passion for working
with the community – a passion that I had
in my uni ver sity days as an environmental
campaigner – was reignited. So I set out on a
path to encourage people, including but not
limited to those li ving with and most affected by
HIV, as well as gays, lesbians and transgender
people, to participate acti vely and contribute
to our society across the Asia-Pacific region.
The series of events that followed since
that day in 20 04 transformed me and my
life. I never dreamed that eight year s after
my diagnosis, I would tak e to the stage this
year, at the International AIDS Conference in
Washington D.C, and be chosen to speak right
before former U.S President Bill Clinton.
And I never dreamed that after that diagnosis
eight year s ago, in a clinic in Raffles Place,
after all the uncertainty about my health, my
future, my relationship and my career, that I
would be standing here today – addressing
my colleagues, friends and, I’m proud to say,
that man I met in 20 04 (who is now my longterm partner) – at the 8th Singapore AIDS
Conference. So thank you again for inviting
me to share my experiences, and also for the
opportunity to learn from fellow colleagues
here in Singapore, and to learn from those who
came from across the region for this event.
It means at lot that people li ving with HIV are
gi ven a voice and can acti vely participate in
The Act Issue no. 45
“As I was beginning to settle in and get my new life
n Singapore in order, I found out about my HIV status.
All of a sudden, all those nicely laid plans came
crashing down, and a cloud of uncertainty hung over
my head…”
7
The Act Issue no. 45
any response to the epidemic. I’d lik e to talk
a bit about this year ’s International AIDS
Conference in Washington D.C. because, in my
opinion, it was very significant. It seemed to
me, and to many other s who were present, that
the mood in the AIDS world has changed.
It seems to me that after 30 year s, advocacy
around HIV has once again been transformed.
And this transformation was apparent from an
overwhelming sense of optimism:
• Ci vil society advoc a t e s p r e s e n t i n
Washington D.C. w e r e ch a n t i n g “ W E C A N
END AIDS”.
• The U.S. Secretary o f S t a t e , H i l l a r y
Clinton, was talkin g a d a m a n t l y a b o u t
the impending arri v a l o f a n ‘A I D S - f r e e
generation’.
• A mechanism for b r i n g i n g l i f e - s a v i n g
dollar s to the AIDS r e s p o n s e i n t h e
developing world wa s i d e n t i f i e d , w i t h
the prospect of an i n t e r n a t i o n a l t a x o n
financial transactio n s – a k a t h e ‘ Ro b i n
Hood Tax’.
Such
transformation
and
optimism
are
significant for millions of people li ving
with HIV, especially women and children. In
particular those living in Africa, where poverty
creates some of the highest barrier s to care, HIV
treatment and support, as well as prevention.
And while the global focus on AIDS revolves
around Africa, it must be said that the AsiaPacific epidemic, is a completely different
ball game all together. Our epidemic is highly
concentrated – and gravely affecting people at
the very margins of society. But the need to
save lives is no different. The need to get to
ZERO for these people is the same.
This is a glimpse of what the HIV epidemic
in the Asia-Pacific region looks lik e. Those
categorised as “most-at-risk” of HIV in our
region include:
•
•
•
•
•
Sex work er s
People who use dr u g s
Young people
Transgender peopl e
Gay men and other m e n w h o h a v e s e x
with men (or MSM )
But in our work – when we are busy promoting
HIV prevention, especially promoting safer
sex – we get so focused on “risk y behaviour”
that we sometimes forget the need to look
beyond behaviour s, and start treating people
as people. Asian gay men, other MSM and
transgender people carry the heaviest burden
of the HIV epidemic in our region.
Unfortunately, we have yet to see substantial
data on the situation for Asia’s transgender
people.
Anecdotally, we know that the HIV prevalence
among transgender women in SE Asia,
especially those who undertak e sex work, could
be 5 to 10 times higher than that of MSM. But
we need more evidence to back up this claim.
Sadly the elevated trend among MSM is echoed
globally. This graph is from data released by
The Global Forum on MSM and HIV (MSMGF)
last year:
Source: Commission on AIDS in Asia, 2008
The single most important message to tak e
away from this graph is that we – as health
professionals and advocates – can only mak e
a significant dent in the global HIV epidemic if
we can ensure that gay men, other MSM and
transgender people are able access prevention
services.
And if any of these groups are li ving with HIV,
it is important that they are able to access care,
treatment and support. Mak e no mistak e, I am
not saying that HIV is a gay disease. We know
for a fact that the virus does not discriminate,
and I want to acknowledge many men and
women li ving with HIV who are outside the
gay community and battling HIV-related stigma
every day. So we must acknowledge what the
evidence tells us: that supporting the health
of ALL gay men, other MSM and transgender
people is a k ey component to the end of AIDS
in Asia.
If we cast our minds back to the hope and
optimism that I described in Washington
D.C. that HIV science has itself gone through
a transformation. We have entered an era
where 20 year s of combination antiretroviral
treatment can now be paired with a strategy of
treatment as prevention, in the form of:
Source: Beyrer C, Baral SD, Walker D, et al. An Analysis of Major HIV Donor Investments Targeting Men Who Have Sex
with Men and Transgender People in Low- and Middle-income Countries. MSMGF, 2011. Wirtz A, Johns B, Sifakis F.
The Expanding Epidemics of HIV Type 1 Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Low- and Middle-Income Countries:
Diversity and Consistency. Epidemiology Review, 2010, 32(1):137–51 [published online ahead of print June 23 2010].
9
The Act Issue no. 45
any response to the epidemic. I’d lik e to talk
a bit about this year ’s International AIDS
Conference in Washington D.C. because, in my
opinion, it was very significant. It seemed to
me, and to many other s who were present, that
the mood in the AIDS world has changed.
It seems to me that after 30 year s, advocacy
around HIV has once again been transformed.
And this transformation was apparent from an
overwhelming sense of optimism:
• Ci vil society advoc a t e s p r e s e n t i n
Washington D.C. w e r e ch a n t i n g “ W E C A N
END AIDS”.
• The U.S. Secretary o f S t a t e , H i l l a r y
Clinton, was talkin g a d a m a n t l y a b o u t
the impending arri v a l o f a n ‘A I D S - f r e e
generation’.
• A mechanism for b r i n g i n g l i f e - s a v i n g
dollar s to the AIDS r e s p o n s e i n t h e
developing world wa s i d e n t i f i e d , w i t h
the prospect of an i n t e r n a t i o n a l t a x o n
financial transactio n s – a k a t h e ‘ Ro b i n
Hood Tax’.
Such
transformation
and
optimism
are
significant for millions of people li ving
with HIV, especially women and children. In
particular those living in Africa, where poverty
creates some of the highest barrier s to care, HIV
treatment and support, as well as prevention.
And while the global focus on AIDS revolves
around Africa, it must be said that the AsiaPacific epidemic, is a completely different
ball game all together. Our epidemic is highly
concentrated – and gravely affecting people at
the very margins of society. But the need to
save lives is no different. The need to get to
ZERO for these people is the same.
This is a glimpse of what the HIV epidemic
in the Asia-Pacific region looks lik e. Those
categorised as “most-at-risk” of HIV in our
region include:
•
•
•
•
•
Sex work er s
People who use dr u g s
Young people
Transgender peopl e
Gay men and other m e n w h o h a v e s e x
with men (or MSM )
But in our work – when we are busy promoting
HIV prevention, especially promoting safer
sex – we get so focused on “risk y behaviour”
that we sometimes forget the need to look
beyond behaviour s, and start treating people
as people. Asian gay men, other MSM and
transgender people carry the heaviest burden
of the HIV epidemic in our region.
Unfortunately, we have yet to see substantial
data on the situation for Asia’s transgender
people.
Anecdotally, we know that the HIV prevalence
among transgender women in SE Asia,
especially those who undertak e sex work, could
be 5 to 10 times higher than that of MSM. But
we need more evidence to back up this claim.
Sadly the elevated trend among MSM is echoed
globally. This graph is from data released by
The Global Forum on MSM and HIV (MSMGF)
last year:
Source: Commission on AIDS in Asia, 2008
The single most important message to tak e
away from this graph is that we – as health
professionals and advocates – can only mak e
a significant dent in the global HIV epidemic if
we can ensure that gay men, other MSM and
transgender people are able access prevention
services.
And if any of these groups are li ving with HIV,
it is important that they are able to access care,
treatment and support. Mak e no mistak e, I am
not saying that HIV is a gay disease. We know
for a fact that the virus does not discriminate,
and I want to acknowledge many men and
women li ving with HIV who are outside the
gay community and battling HIV-related stigma
every day. So we must acknowledge what the
evidence tells us: that supporting the health
of ALL gay men, other MSM and transgender
people is a k ey component to the end of AIDS
in Asia.
If we cast our minds back to the hope and
optimism that I described in Washington
D.C. that HIV science has itself gone through
a transformation. We have entered an era
where 20 year s of combination antiretroviral
treatment can now be paired with a strategy of
treatment as prevention, in the form of:
Source: Beyrer C, Baral SD, Walker D, et al. An Analysis of Major HIV Donor Investments Targeting Men Who Have Sex
with Men and Transgender People in Low- and Middle-income Countries. MSMGF, 2011. Wirtz A, Johns B, Sifakis F.
The Expanding Epidemics of HIV Type 1 Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Low- and Middle-Income Countries:
Diversity and Consistency. Epidemiology Review, 2010, 32(1):137–51 [published online ahead of print June 23 2010].
9
The Act Issue no. 45
• Pre-exposure prop hy l a x i s - o r Pr e P : w h e r e
HIV-negati ve peopl e u s e m e d s t o p r o t e c t
themselves from in f e c t i o n .
• Topical HIV microb i c i d e s - b o t h v a g i n a l
and rectal, in the f o r m o f l u b r i c a n t s .
• Earlier ARV treatm e n t o f p e o p l e l i v i n g
with HIV.
national response. But I will be frank with you:
even with these groundbreaking laws, there is
still so much work to do, in terms of battling
HIV-related stigma and discrimination in the
Philippines. And we Filipinos need to improve
our mechanisms for ensuring that these policies
are under stood and upheld throughout society.
All of these are promising new strategies and
technologies, to add to the HIV prevention
arsenal. In addition, the ‘Berlin Patient’ and
the functional cure via stem cell therapy, from
which Timothy Ray Brown has benefited, have
re-animated the exploration into possible
cures and vaccines.
But this Republic Act was created in 1998, I
wonder if special laws are even needed in this
day and age.
In our region, the uptak e of new biomedical
technologies has been slow.
I am told by
my regional colleagues that limited access to
PreP is available in some Taiwanese hospitals,
although not covered under national health
insurance. PreP is also being trialled in
Thailand and that country is also a site for
microbicides trials in our region. While gene
therapy and vaccine research is most certainly
being led by the Global North.
So with the state of research as it is, I have often
wondered to myself: aren’ t we meant to be at
the beginning of the so-called “Asian Century?
Isn’t there a great hunger for innovation in this
region? And if so, why aren’ t we blazing trails,
exploring, adapting and improving on these
new HIV technologies? Surely there must be
some opportunities for Asian innovator s in HIV
science.
Levi
Strauss,
and
other
multi-national
corporations such as Standard Chartered Bank,
Accor Hotels and Shell, all have integrated
HIV into their corporate social responsibility
programmes. This was done based on
the
understanding
that
employers
who
demonstrate their commitment to health and
fighting HIV reap benefits in terms of higher
productivity and reduced staff absenteeism,
as well as gaining the leading edge by being
seen as an “employer of choice” in a highly
competitive labour market.
The debate about policy itself has been
transformed, and it recei ved a big boost in 2012
with the drafting of the community-led Oslo
Declaration. The Oslo Declaration document
spells out the language of protecting the health
and li velihood of PLHIV, and how countries can
consider clarifying existing laws with respect
to HIV, instead of creating new ones.
In our region, we are also transforming the
way that community groups operate. This is
being achieved through regional projects such
as the ISEAN-Hivos programme, consisting of
Testing, when you want it.
Another place where we can create an enabling
environment is in the workplace, and I would
lik e to highlight the contribution that Levi
Strauss & Co. has made in this field. They have
tak en the initiati ve to implement a global HIV
programme, designed for employees from
factory-floor to stores and offices so they
can better under stand their own health, and
under stand the commitment that their company
has to fight the disease. The corporation’s
programme reached 10,0 0 0 employees from
20 08 to 2011.
community-led initiatives to help organisations
be better organised with planning, leadership
and advocacy training with respect to HIV.
This project covers Indonesia, Malaysia, the
Philippines and Timor Leste and is supported
by the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis
and Malaria. Similar regional models are in
progress across the South Asian continent and,
on a much smaller scale, in Developed Asia –
which includes Singapore.
The way that we deliver HIV prevention, care,
treatment and support services has also been
transformed in our region. Our first example
shows how a simple tweak – to operating
hours – can make a world of difference. In
many cities in our region, a significant number
of the people we’d like to encourage to come
for regular HIV testing are working day-jobs
from 9-5, sometimes longer. In response to this
reality, Rainbow of Hong Kong has structured
their services, so that people can access testing
– after working hours, everyday of the week.
This means that people do not have to request
leave from work, and can depend on the
services being delivered when they need them.
Rainbow of Hong Kong
- Community-based VCT
at convenient times for
target population
Image sources:
- Rainbox of Hong Kong
Angsamerah,
Jakarta
So now that we are thinking about innovation,
about transforming things, I’d lik e to share
some ideas brought from around the AsiaPacific region in the hope that these will stir
your imagination, get you thinking about how
we can come together to transform the work
that we do.
As a Filipino, I would fir st lik e to present a piece
of policy work that was truly revolutionary
for its time in 1998. The Philippines Republic
Act 8504, which clearly defines a national
commitment to fighting HIV and AIDS, ensures
safeguards for the health, employment, and
livelihoods for people li ving with HIV, and
maps out the infrastructure that dri ves our
11
- Sexual Health Clinic
- Treatment hub
- Mental Health
- Clinic-model to
benefit community
Spaces that meet demand
Thai Red Cross,
Bangkok
- Comprehensive
testing and treatment
- Convenience
- Anonymous, as well
as specialised
services
Workplace HIV/AIDS Programs
•From factory-floor > office > retail store - www.hivaids.levi.com
•Includes video, online quizzes and downloadable resources.
•Integrated with face-to-face group work; structure to engage with
local NGOs.
•A result of internal program monitoring and evaluation since 2008.
Image sources:
- Angsamerah
- Thai Red Cross
Image sources:
- Levi Strauss & Co.
The spaces in which HIV prevention, care,
treatment and support services are delivered
are also being transformed. Angsamerah is a
private health facility in downtown Jakarta,
offering sexual and reproductive health
services to a targeted segment of the market.
Its key selling points include: a different
image and atmosphere for sexual health, plus
a simple, yet revolutionary business model –
they negotiated to become a treatment hub
and can dispense ARVs and they support offshoot clinics that service poorer communities.
The Thai Red Cross offers comprehensive
services for prevention, testing and treatment,
and serves a broad market, including non-Thai
nationals, offering CD4 and viral load testing
daily, and a dispensary for medication. Their
interest in innovation is reflected through the
opening of a specialised Men’s Health Clinic.
And their interest in innovation is also
demonstrated in their Adam’s Love campaign.
Adam’s Love uses social media to drive demand
for the clinic, and raise awareness about HIV
and sexual health in the Bangkok community.
The Act Issue no. 45
• Pre-exposure prop hy l a x i s - o r Pr e P : w h e r e
HIV-negati ve peopl e u s e m e d s t o p r o t e c t
themselves from in f e c t i o n .
• Topical HIV microb i c i d e s - b o t h v a g i n a l
and rectal, in the f o r m o f l u b r i c a n t s .
• Earlier ARV treatm e n t o f p e o p l e l i v i n g
with HIV.
national response. But I will be frank with you:
even with these groundbreaking laws, there is
still so much work to do, in terms of battling
HIV-related stigma and discrimination in the
Philippines. And we Filipinos need to improve
our mechanisms for ensuring that these policies
are under stood and upheld throughout society.
All of these are promising new strategies and
technologies, to add to the HIV prevention
arsenal. In addition, the ‘Berlin Patient’ and
the functional cure via stem cell therapy, from
which Timothy Ray Brown has benefited, have
re-animated the exploration into possible
cures and vaccines.
But this Republic Act was created in 1998, I
wonder if special laws are even needed in this
day and age.
In our region, the uptak e of new biomedical
technologies has been slow.
I am told by
my regional colleagues that limited access to
PreP is available in some Taiwanese hospitals,
although not covered under national health
insurance. PreP is also being trialled in
Thailand and that country is also a site for
microbicides trials in our region. While gene
therapy and vaccine research is most certainly
being led by the Global North.
So with the state of research as it is, I have often
wondered to myself: aren’ t we meant to be at
the beginning of the so-called “Asian Century?
Isn’t there a great hunger for innovation in this
region? And if so, why aren’ t we blazing trails,
exploring, adapting and improving on these
new HIV technologies? Surely there must be
some opportunities for Asian innovator s in HIV
science.
Levi
Strauss,
and
other
multi-national
corporations such as Standard Chartered Bank,
Accor Hotels and Shell, all have integrated
HIV into their corporate social responsibility
programmes. This was done based on
the
understanding
that
employers
who
demonstrate their commitment to health and
fighting HIV reap benefits in terms of higher
productivity and reduced staff absenteeism,
as well as gaining the leading edge by being
seen as an “employer of choice” in a highly
competitive labour market.
The debate about policy itself has been
transformed, and it recei ved a big boost in 2012
with the drafting of the community-led Oslo
Declaration. The Oslo Declaration document
spells out the language of protecting the health
and li velihood of PLHIV, and how countries can
consider clarifying existing laws with respect
to HIV, instead of creating new ones.
In our region, we are also transforming the
way that community groups operate. This is
being achieved through regional projects such
as the ISEAN-Hivos programme, consisting of
Testing, when you want it.
Another place where we can create an enabling
environment is in the workplace, and I would
lik e to highlight the contribution that Levi
Strauss & Co. has made in this field. They have
tak en the initiati ve to implement a global HIV
programme, designed for employees from
factory-floor to stores and offices so they
can better under stand their own health, and
under stand the commitment that their company
has to fight the disease. The corporation’s
programme reached 10,0 0 0 employees from
20 08 to 2011.
community-led initiatives to help organisations
be better organised with planning, leadership
and advocacy training with respect to HIV.
This project covers Indonesia, Malaysia, the
Philippines and Timor Leste and is supported
by the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis
and Malaria. Similar regional models are in
progress across the South Asian continent and,
on a much smaller scale, in Developed Asia –
which includes Singapore.
The way that we deliver HIV prevention, care,
treatment and support services has also been
transformed in our region. Our first example
shows how a simple tweak – to operating
hours – can make a world of difference. In
many cities in our region, a significant number
of the people we’d like to encourage to come
for regular HIV testing are working day-jobs
from 9-5, sometimes longer. In response to this
reality, Rainbow of Hong Kong has structured
their services, so that people can access testing
– after working hours, everyday of the week.
This means that people do not have to request
leave from work, and can depend on the
services being delivered when they need them.
Rainbow of Hong Kong
- Community-based VCT
at convenient times for
target population
Image sources:
- Rainbox of Hong Kong
Angsamerah,
Jakarta
So now that we are thinking about innovation,
about transforming things, I’d lik e to share
some ideas brought from around the AsiaPacific region in the hope that these will stir
your imagination, get you thinking about how
we can come together to transform the work
that we do.
As a Filipino, I would fir st lik e to present a piece
of policy work that was truly revolutionary
for its time in 1998. The Philippines Republic
Act 8504, which clearly defines a national
commitment to fighting HIV and AIDS, ensures
safeguards for the health, employment, and
livelihoods for people li ving with HIV, and
maps out the infrastructure that dri ves our
11
- Sexual Health Clinic
- Treatment hub
- Mental Health
- Clinic-model to
benefit community
Spaces that meet demand
Thai Red Cross,
Bangkok
- Comprehensive
testing and treatment
- Convenience
- Anonymous, as well
as specialised
services
Workplace HIV/AIDS Programs
•From factory-floor > office > retail store - www.hivaids.levi.com
•Includes video, online quizzes and downloadable resources.
•Integrated with face-to-face group work; structure to engage with
local NGOs.
•A result of internal program monitoring and evaluation since 2008.
Image sources:
- Angsamerah
- Thai Red Cross
Image sources:
- Levi Strauss & Co.
The spaces in which HIV prevention, care,
treatment and support services are delivered
are also being transformed. Angsamerah is a
private health facility in downtown Jakarta,
offering sexual and reproductive health
services to a targeted segment of the market.
Its key selling points include: a different
image and atmosphere for sexual health, plus
a simple, yet revolutionary business model –
they negotiated to become a treatment hub
and can dispense ARVs and they support offshoot clinics that service poorer communities.
The Thai Red Cross offers comprehensive
services for prevention, testing and treatment,
and serves a broad market, including non-Thai
nationals, offering CD4 and viral load testing
daily, and a dispensary for medication. Their
interest in innovation is reflected through the
opening of a specialised Men’s Health Clinic.
And their interest in innovation is also
demonstrated in their Adam’s Love campaign.
Adam’s Love uses social media to drive demand
for the clinic, and raise awareness about HIV
and sexual health in the Bangkok community.
The Act Issue no. 45
New technologies are also being employed,
to transform the way we manage life with HIV
and also help us better under stand our choices
among health service provider s. A health
management smartphone app for Android was
designed by the Taiwan Lourdes Association to
help Chinese-literate people li ving with HIV:
Supporting Improved Treatment Literacy
Taiwan Lourdes
Association
B-Change is embarking on an initiati ve to map
all HIV testing and treatment sites around
the globe, using web-based maps lik e open
maps and Google Maps. The k ey points of this
innovation are:
• H I V G S M i n t e n d s t o c r o w d - s o u r c e d a t a
ga t h e r i n g .
• I t w i l l w o r k w i t h s t a k e h o l d e r s a t t h e
c o u n t r y- l e v e l t o e n s u r e t h e d a t a i s
validated.
• We wa n t t o e n c o u r a g e a d i a l o g u e b e t w e e n
c l i e n t a n d s e r v i c e p r ov i d e r : c l i e n t s c a n
g i v e f e e d b a ck o n t h e s e r v i c e s r e c e i v e d .
• Se r v i c e p r ov i d e r s c a n r e s p o n d , t h e r e b y
b e tt e r u n d e r s t a n d i n g t h e n e e d s o f c l i e n t s
ov e r t i m e .
We’ve had restaurant and hotel reviews for
some time, why not for HIV services??
Image sources: Taiwan Lourdes Association
The app can remind you when to tak e your
meds, help you track your health data over
time, remind you about upcoming doctor ’s
appointments and gi ve up-to-date news on
health and treatment.
Social media are also being used to transform
the message of HIV prevention:
Adult-friendly, risk minimisation
!"#$%&'())%)*+',*&
!"#$%&'%
$&(%)*&+%
#*,-#%!./%
,#.0.,%*0%
(!"%1-$2
Help us build an online map of all the HIV testing and
treatment centres across the world.
Use your web-enabled mobile device (smartphone or
tablet) to collect geographic and site specific data while
you are on-site.
We asking volunteers to venture out and collect data in this
first phase of the project. We will validate the geographic
data in the second phase of this project in consultation
with interested stakeholders at each country-level.
We need your help to build a dynamic, web-based map
that would help reduce the barriers to testing and access
to treatment.
For further information contact:
info@b-change.org
This project is an initiative of:
iOS, Android and Blackberry compatible
!./3'12-$$'$*(2,*1
Informing choices, tracking demand.
Image source:
HIV-GSM
At the end of the day it was better that
ACON work, to make people fully aware of
consequences, and the joys of what they were
doing.
None of the transformations I have shown
you would have been possible without people
from the community working to change the
hearts and minds of those who are within their
reach. And while we often talk about the role
of governments, the medical establishment
and corporations we, as a community, must
remember the potential influence we have
among our friends, partners, and families.
We must remember that HIV affects mothers,
fathers, brothers, sister, boyfriends, girls,
teachers, bosses … the list go on.
And yet as health practitioners, I wonder if we
are maximising the social networks within our
own reach. This is picture of my father (left).
Without a doubt, these functions can help
improve treatment literacy, and ultimately
enable people living with HIV to tak e control
and manage their condition.
Another smartphone and mobile initiati ve is
from my own organisation:
And it also highlights a realisation from ACON
that, in order to hold the attention of its target
audience, they need to reflect and address the
realities of sexual practice in the community.
I believe ACON’s view to be that, no matter
what people were doing in their bedrooms, the
reality is that the impact of science and public
health policy are limited: they cannot be forced
onto something as undefinable or irrational as
desire and passion.
Aids Council of NSW (ACON)
Image sources:
- ACON/Facebook
Here we see an example of the AIDS Council
of NSW (Australia) who, with the support of
the NSW Department of Health, launched last
month an awareness program designed to
educate gay men about other risk reduction
strategies that go beyond condom promotion.
This includes sero-sorting, and alternati ves to
anal sex, including the risk factor s on sexual
fetish practices. You can imagine the amount
of time, energy, negotiation at all levels that
would’ve been required, to get the green light
from the Department of Health on a campaign
for sexually adventurous men. But what this
highlights is that such negotiations are possible.
He, along with my partner, gave me advice as I
considered coming out publicly about my HIV
status. Once the path that was ahead for all of
us was clear, my father took the initiative and,
with my blessing, shared his encouragement
and support for me in a series of emails to
all our relatives, his golf buddies, business
associates, rotary club members, the list goes
on. At the click of a button, he was able to reach
people that neither I, nor my organisation,
could ever have reached.
This type of strategy goes a long way when we
are trying to battle stigma and discrimination.
If we choose to act - and sometimes, push our
own comfort zones - we have the potential to
influence the hearts and minds of our friends,
partners and families. They in turn have the
potential to change the hearts and minds of
so many more. Understanding this potential
will lead us to the true antidote for stigma and
13
discrimination. Only then can we finally see
the end of AIDS that we are looking for.
In our work, we talk so much about a response
to HIV but, as I close, I would like to ask you what is
your vision for the future? If we are “responding”
to a crisis, it will only get us so far. How can we
leap-frog and aim for something aspirational?
There is so much potential in Singapore and in
our region. On-going interest and investments in
biotechnology, innovation, and a thirst to set a
new standard of living in our community provide
fertile ground where opportunities are immense.
In the eight years that I have been travelling to
Singapore, I have seen the skyline transform and
I have also seen the warmth, determination and
hope that thrives here. And people who know me
also know that my heart lives here as well.
My hope is that Singapore, and our region, will
continue to strive towards an environment where
people living with HIV can actively participate in
achieving our vision for the future. I have been
told that a new Community Action Response
initiative here in Singapore has been created with
an open invitation to members of the community
to work with all stakeholders to achieve this very
same goal. I hope that you will support them in
their endeavour.
As I end my speech, I’d like share my wish that,
after eight years, I would like to continue working
with you all, contributing what I can - not only
in Singapore, but across the region, in the hope
that people can be healthier and ultimately be
happier. And if I can squeeze in one more wish
… it would be that at the next Singapore AIDS
Conference, there will be a Singaporean who
is openly living with HIV taking the lectern and
making his or her own keynote address. They
say that eight is a lucky number - perhaps these
wishes may come true.
Thank you.
The Act Issue no. 45
New technologies are also being employed,
to transform the way we manage life with HIV
and also help us better under stand our choices
among health service provider s. A health
management smartphone app for Android was
designed by the Taiwan Lourdes Association to
help Chinese-literate people li ving with HIV:
Supporting Improved Treatment Literacy
Taiwan Lourdes
Association
B-Change is embarking on an initiati ve to map
all HIV testing and treatment sites around
the globe, using web-based maps lik e open
maps and Google Maps. The k ey points of this
innovation are:
• H I V G S M i n t e n d s t o c r o w d - s o u r c e d a t a
ga t h e r i n g .
• I t w i l l w o r k w i t h s t a k e h o l d e r s a t t h e
c o u n t r y- l e v e l t o e n s u r e t h e d a t a i s
validated.
• We wa n t t o e n c o u r a g e a d i a l o g u e b e t w e e n
c l i e n t a n d s e r v i c e p r ov i d e r : c l i e n t s c a n
g i v e f e e d b a ck o n t h e s e r v i c e s r e c e i v e d .
• Se r v i c e p r ov i d e r s c a n r e s p o n d , t h e r e b y
b e tt e r u n d e r s t a n d i n g t h e n e e d s o f c l i e n t s
ov e r t i m e .
We’ve had restaurant and hotel reviews for
some time, why not for HIV services??
Image sources: Taiwan Lourdes Association
The app can remind you when to tak e your
meds, help you track your health data over
time, remind you about upcoming doctor ’s
appointments and gi ve up-to-date news on
health and treatment.
Social media are also being used to transform
the message of HIV prevention:
Adult-friendly, risk minimisation
!"#$%&'())%)*+',*&
!"#$%&'%
$&(%)*&+%
#*,-#%!./%
,#.0.,%*0%
(!"%1-$2
Help us build an online map of all the HIV testing and
treatment centres across the world.
Use your web-enabled mobile device (smartphone or
tablet) to collect geographic and site specific data while
you are on-site.
We asking volunteers to venture out and collect data in this
first phase of the project. We will validate the geographic
data in the second phase of this project in consultation
with interested stakeholders at each country-level.
We need your help to build a dynamic, web-based map
that would help reduce the barriers to testing and access
to treatment.
For further information contact:
info@b-change.org
This project is an initiative of:
iOS, Android and Blackberry compatible
!./3'12-$$'$*(2,*1
Informing choices, tracking demand.
Image source:
HIV-GSM
At the end of the day it was better that
ACON work, to make people fully aware of
consequences, and the joys of what they were
doing.
None of the transformations I have shown
you would have been possible without people
from the community working to change the
hearts and minds of those who are within their
reach. And while we often talk about the role
of governments, the medical establishment
and corporations we, as a community, must
remember the potential influence we have
among our friends, partners, and families.
We must remember that HIV affects mothers,
fathers, brothers, sister, boyfriends, girls,
teachers, bosses … the list go on.
And yet as health practitioners, I wonder if we
are maximising the social networks within our
own reach. This is picture of my father (left).
Without a doubt, these functions can help
improve treatment literacy, and ultimately
enable people living with HIV to tak e control
and manage their condition.
Another smartphone and mobile initiati ve is
from my own organisation:
And it also highlights a realisation from ACON
that, in order to hold the attention of its target
audience, they need to reflect and address the
realities of sexual practice in the community.
I believe ACON’s view to be that, no matter
what people were doing in their bedrooms, the
reality is that the impact of science and public
health policy are limited: they cannot be forced
onto something as undefinable or irrational as
desire and passion.
Aids Council of NSW (ACON)
Image sources:
- ACON/Facebook
Here we see an example of the AIDS Council
of NSW (Australia) who, with the support of
the NSW Department of Health, launched last
month an awareness program designed to
educate gay men about other risk reduction
strategies that go beyond condom promotion.
This includes sero-sorting, and alternati ves to
anal sex, including the risk factor s on sexual
fetish practices. You can imagine the amount
of time, energy, negotiation at all levels that
would’ve been required, to get the green light
from the Department of Health on a campaign
for sexually adventurous men. But what this
highlights is that such negotiations are possible.
He, along with my partner, gave me advice as I
considered coming out publicly about my HIV
status. Once the path that was ahead for all of
us was clear, my father took the initiative and,
with my blessing, shared his encouragement
and support for me in a series of emails to
all our relatives, his golf buddies, business
associates, rotary club members, the list goes
on. At the click of a button, he was able to reach
people that neither I, nor my organisation,
could ever have reached.
This type of strategy goes a long way when we
are trying to battle stigma and discrimination.
If we choose to act - and sometimes, push our
own comfort zones - we have the potential to
influence the hearts and minds of our friends,
partners and families. They in turn have the
potential to change the hearts and minds of
so many more. Understanding this potential
will lead us to the true antidote for stigma and
13
discrimination. Only then can we finally see
the end of AIDS that we are looking for.
In our work, we talk so much about a response
to HIV but, as I close, I would like to ask you what is
your vision for the future? If we are “responding”
to a crisis, it will only get us so far. How can we
leap-frog and aim for something aspirational?
There is so much potential in Singapore and in
our region. On-going interest and investments in
biotechnology, innovation, and a thirst to set a
new standard of living in our community provide
fertile ground where opportunities are immense.
In the eight years that I have been travelling to
Singapore, I have seen the skyline transform and
I have also seen the warmth, determination and
hope that thrives here. And people who know me
also know that my heart lives here as well.
My hope is that Singapore, and our region, will
continue to strive towards an environment where
people living with HIV can actively participate in
achieving our vision for the future. I have been
told that a new Community Action Response
initiative here in Singapore has been created with
an open invitation to members of the community
to work with all stakeholders to achieve this very
same goal. I hope that you will support them in
their endeavour.
As I end my speech, I’d like share my wish that,
after eight years, I would like to continue working
with you all, contributing what I can - not only
in Singapore, but across the region, in the hope
that people can be healthier and ultimately be
happier. And if I can squeeze in one more wish
… it would be that at the next Singapore AIDS
Conference, there will be a Singaporean who
is openly living with HIV taking the lectern and
making his or her own keynote address. They
say that eight is a lucky number - perhaps these
wishes may come true.
Thank you.
D E CLARATION O F TH E 8 TH
S i n g a p o r e AIDS C o n fe r e n c e
H o w t o s t o p HI V a n d AIDS
T r e a t m e n t o p t i m i s m , f a t i g u e o v e r ‘ s a f e s e x ’
m e s s a g e m e a n a n e w s y s t e m a t i c a pp r o a c h i s
n ee d e d
T h e S t r a i t s T i m e s E DITORIAL
Published on Nov 11, 2012
B y R o y C h a n , P r e s i d e n t o f A c t i o n f o r AIDS ( S i n g a p o r e )
For nearly three decades Singaporeans have
fought the AIDS epidemic with community
action and research-led healthcare. While the
toll has been immeasurable, the gains have
also been extraordinary. Through courage and
determination we have now reached a point
previously unimaginable: the possibility of
ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Scientific and
social advances have shown we can implement
a package of proven strategies to reverse the
burden of HIV/AIDS.
We must act on what we have learnt from our own
experience and the best evidence from overseas.
We have the required expertise and resources. It
is time to mobilise these to achieve real advances
for those in need. We must demonstrate our
collective resolve and commit to “Getting to Zero
- Zero Stigma, Zero New Infections, Zero Deaths”
caused by HIV/AIDS in Singapore.
To reach our goal together, we endeavour to:
1. Create an enabling environment as enunciated
in the ASEAN Declaration of Commitment 2011
and the UN General Assembly Declaration on
HIV/AIDS 2011 that empowers people with HIV
to live with dignity and enhances HIV care
and prevention efforts. HIV-related stigma and
discrimination must be eliminated as they
marginalise entire communities who should be
our allies in Getting to Zero.
2. Expand prevention efforts including accurate
prevention information, voluntary counselling
and testing, behavioural and biomedical
strategies to ensure that our programmes
reach vulnerable populations such as young
people, people who use drugs, sex workers
and their clients, men having sex with men
and transgender people. Every Singaporean
should be able to learn his or her HIV status
without fear of discrimination. All HIV-positive
Singaporeans must be linked to care at the
earliest opportunity.
3. Ensure access to antiretroviral treatment.
Treatment reduces deaths, reduces health care
costs and prevents new infections. All those
in need should be assured of access to lifesaving drugs.
4. Provide accessible, non-discriminatory and
comprehensive care to all Singaporeans living
with HIV. We must facilitate their engagement
in care as full partners with the medical
and public health communities, as well as
encourage the active involvement of affected
and vulnerable groups in planning and
implementing services.
5. Review, monitor and evaluate our progress
towards Getting to Zero. Best practices in
prevention and treatment from international
and local efforts must be evaluated, adapted
and applied to enhance our programmes in a
timely manner.
We declare our commitment to these actions and
call for all concerned Singaporeans and residents
to join in this pledge by signing this declaration.
I t ’ s time to G et to Z ero.
I t ’ s time to end H I V / A I D S in S ingapore.
For more than three decades, we have tried and
have been relatively successful in controlling
the spread of HIV infection in Singapore. It
has taken the perseverance and ingenuity
of individuals and groups, the support and
collaboration with government organisations
and agencies to bring us to where we are today.
The cumulative number of Singaporeans and
residents diagnosed with HIV/AIDS was 5,306
last year. Females have been less affected,
accounting for 7 per cent of newly diagnosed
infections last year.
There are, however, two troubling trends: more
than half of newly diagnosed HIV infections
involved persons with a late stage of infection;
HIV infection is increasing rapidly among
the group referred to as “men who have sex
with men” (MSM), who include homosexuals
as well as men who have sex with both men
and women. Last year, newly-diagnosed
infections among MSM outnumbered those in
heterosexuals by 49 per cent to 43 per cent for
the first time in 2 decades.
To date, we have relied on the “traditional”
approach to prevention - disseminating AIDS
education and information to warn the public
of the dangers of casual sex and sex with sex
workers. Where permitted, we have expounded
safer sex messages that include the consistent
and correct use of condoms and lubricants for
sex with casual partners.
For those who may have been exposed to HIV
or who have casual sex partners, we have
been advising regular HIV testing. Over the
years, the number of anonymous test sites
has increased to seven. Targeted and intensive
10 0 per cent condom use programmes have
succeeded outstandingly in reducing to zero
the incidence of HIV infection among regulated
brothel-based sex workers. Unfortunately,
such programmes cannot be replicated for
transient street- and nightclub-based freelance
sex workers.
No longer a death sentence
HIV infection in the 21st century is no longer
the death sentence it was in the 1980s and
1990s. While complete eradication of HIV in
the body is still elusive, modern antiretroviral
(ARV) drugs can effectively suppress HIV to the
point that those with HIV/AIDS are able to lead
relatively normal lives, free from the physical
stigma and opportunistic infections that used
to plague patients in the past.
I use the term “relatively normal” because
living with HIV infection has significant
challenges.
For example, the ARV medications have to
be taken regularly, a high level of adherence
is necessary to achieve a satisfactory result,
treatment is life-long, costly, and there are
enormous psychological, emotional, social
and financial consequences on those with
HIV/AIDS. Furthermore ARV treatment is not
without side effects, and HIV infection by itself
D E CLARATION O F TH E 8 TH
S i n g a p o r e AIDS C o n fe r e n c e
H o w t o s t o p HI V a n d AIDS
T r e a t m e n t o p t i m i s m , f a t i g u e o v e r ‘ s a f e s e x ’
m e s s a g e m e a n a n e w s y s t e m a t i c a pp r o a c h i s
n ee d e d
T h e S t r a i t s T i m e s E DITORIAL
Published on Nov 11, 2012
B y R o y C h a n , P r e s i d e n t o f A c t i o n f o r AIDS ( S i n g a p o r e )
For nearly three decades Singaporeans have
fought the AIDS epidemic with community
action and research-led healthcare. While the
toll has been immeasurable, the gains have
also been extraordinary. Through courage and
determination we have now reached a point
previously unimaginable: the possibility of
ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Scientific and
social advances have shown we can implement
a package of proven strategies to reverse the
burden of HIV/AIDS.
We must act on what we have learnt from our own
experience and the best evidence from overseas.
We have the required expertise and resources. It
is time to mobilise these to achieve real advances
for those in need. We must demonstrate our
collective resolve and commit to “Getting to Zero
- Zero Stigma, Zero New Infections, Zero Deaths”
caused by HIV/AIDS in Singapore.
To reach our goal together, we endeavour to:
1. Create an enabling environment as enunciated
in the ASEAN Declaration of Commitment 2011
and the UN General Assembly Declaration on
HIV/AIDS 2011 that empowers people with HIV
to live with dignity and enhances HIV care
and prevention efforts. HIV-related stigma and
discrimination must be eliminated as they
marginalise entire communities who should be
our allies in Getting to Zero.
2. Expand prevention efforts including accurate
prevention information, voluntary counselling
and testing, behavioural and biomedical
strategies to ensure that our programmes
reach vulnerable populations such as young
people, people who use drugs, sex workers
and their clients, men having sex with men
and transgender people. Every Singaporean
should be able to learn his or her HIV status
without fear of discrimination. All HIV-positive
Singaporeans must be linked to care at the
earliest opportunity.
3. Ensure access to antiretroviral treatment.
Treatment reduces deaths, reduces health care
costs and prevents new infections. All those
in need should be assured of access to lifesaving drugs.
4. Provide accessible, non-discriminatory and
comprehensive care to all Singaporeans living
with HIV. We must facilitate their engagement
in care as full partners with the medical
and public health communities, as well as
encourage the active involvement of affected
and vulnerable groups in planning and
implementing services.
5. Review, monitor and evaluate our progress
towards Getting to Zero. Best practices in
prevention and treatment from international
and local efforts must be evaluated, adapted
and applied to enhance our programmes in a
timely manner.
We declare our commitment to these actions and
call for all concerned Singaporeans and residents
to join in this pledge by signing this declaration.
I t ’ s time to G et to Z ero.
I t ’ s time to end H I V / A I D S in S ingapore.
For more than three decades, we have tried and
have been relatively successful in controlling
the spread of HIV infection in Singapore. It
has taken the perseverance and ingenuity
of individuals and groups, the support and
collaboration with government organisations
and agencies to bring us to where we are today.
The cumulative number of Singaporeans and
residents diagnosed with HIV/AIDS was 5,306
last year. Females have been less affected,
accounting for 7 per cent of newly diagnosed
infections last year.
There are, however, two troubling trends: more
than half of newly diagnosed HIV infections
involved persons with a late stage of infection;
HIV infection is increasing rapidly among
the group referred to as “men who have sex
with men” (MSM), who include homosexuals
as well as men who have sex with both men
and women. Last year, newly-diagnosed
infections among MSM outnumbered those in
heterosexuals by 49 per cent to 43 per cent for
the first time in 2 decades.
To date, we have relied on the “traditional”
approach to prevention - disseminating AIDS
education and information to warn the public
of the dangers of casual sex and sex with sex
workers. Where permitted, we have expounded
safer sex messages that include the consistent
and correct use of condoms and lubricants for
sex with casual partners.
For those who may have been exposed to HIV
or who have casual sex partners, we have
been advising regular HIV testing. Over the
years, the number of anonymous test sites
has increased to seven. Targeted and intensive
10 0 per cent condom use programmes have
succeeded outstandingly in reducing to zero
the incidence of HIV infection among regulated
brothel-based sex workers. Unfortunately,
such programmes cannot be replicated for
transient street- and nightclub-based freelance
sex workers.
No longer a death sentence
HIV infection in the 21st century is no longer
the death sentence it was in the 1980s and
1990s. While complete eradication of HIV in
the body is still elusive, modern antiretroviral
(ARV) drugs can effectively suppress HIV to the
point that those with HIV/AIDS are able to lead
relatively normal lives, free from the physical
stigma and opportunistic infections that used
to plague patients in the past.
I use the term “relatively normal” because
living with HIV infection has significant
challenges.
For example, the ARV medications have to
be taken regularly, a high level of adherence
is necessary to achieve a satisfactory result,
treatment is life-long, costly, and there are
enormous psychological, emotional, social
and financial consequences on those with
HIV/AIDS. Furthermore ARV treatment is not
without side effects, and HIV infection by itself
The Act Issue no. 45
is also known to have long-term complications
and may affect the cardiovascular, metabolic
and nervous systems that could lead to serious
consequences.
As a result of effective ARV treatment, however,
fewer infected people are dying from AIDS than
20 years ago, and there are greater number s of
people with HIV/AIDS among us.
The HIV epidemic is, therefore, becoming
bigger and yet more invisible at the same time.
The improved prognosis and heightened
invisibility of the disease have unfortunately
led to a sense of treatment optimism, fatigue
over safer-sex messages and less fear of AIDS
both in the general population and among
those with high-risk behaviour. Increased
levels of unsafe sexual practices, the ease
of hooking up over the Internet and through
mobile devices, and the increasingly common
practice of mixing sex with pleasure-enhancing
recreational drugs are thought to be dri ver s of
the HIV epidemic among MSM, as well as other
communities all around the world.
Going forward, it is clear that we cannot rely
only on traditional methods of prevention.
We need a systematic approach in analysing
our programme. We can start with estimating
the number of HIV infections in the country.
We know of 5,306 notified HIV infections to
date, but how many more infected indi viduals
remain undetected or have not been notified to
the Government? My “guesstimate” is another
few thousand. We should then ask our selves
how many of those we know about are link ed
to care. Of those link ed to care, how many
stay in care and how many drop out and are
lost to follow-up? Of those remaining in care,
how many are recei ving ARV medications?
And, of those receiving ARV medications, how
many have satisfactorily suppressed their viral
loads?
It is very lik ely that there are significant leaks at
each point of this HIV treatment cascade. A good
example of leak-plugging is the cash subsidy
that is gi ven to per sons who test positi ve at
the Action for AIDS anonymous test site, to
encourage them to go to a medical facility
for clinical evaluation. After this incenti ve
was introduced, the number of per sons with a
positi ve result who were successfully link ed to
care jumped from 9 in 20 09 to 54 last year and
to 44 in the fir st 7 months of this year.
This clearly demonstrates that financial
assistance can play a big role in improving HIV
care, control and prevention here. We must
look for and put in place solutions to plug each
of the leaks in the cascade in order to improve
the situation.
Treatment as prevention
This leads me to the concept of treatment as
prevention. It has recently been shown that
treating people with HIV significantly reduces
the risk of onward transmission to other s.
Furthermore, ARV treatment will have a
significant impact at the population level. The
larger the number of people with HIV infection
who are on treatment and the sooner they are
started on treatment, the greater the chance of
stopping the spread of HIV in the community.
We must be open-minded and willing to try
new approaches when the old ways are not
working well enough.
A useful way of viewing HIV infection is the
concept of the community viral load (CVL). This
can be considered to be the sum total of all the
recent viral loads of all the infected per sons
in the community at any one time. It has been
shown that in a community where most of the
people with HIV infection have been tested,
diagnosed and have been link ed to care, where
there is widespread availability and use of ARV
treatment, the CVL will be low, and this will
17
mean that there will be a decreasing risk of the
infection spreading to uninfected persons.
This is one major obstacle in our programme
and it has only been partially addressed.
This has been demonstrated in places like
San Francisco and Vancouver. Compare this
to a country like Singapore, where many HIVinfected persons are afraid to get tested for
fear that they may lose their jobs, afraid to
seek treatment because they think they cannot
affordmedications, or are only diagnosed late
in the disease: the CVL will be much higher,
leading to higher chances of continued and
increasing HIV transmission.
The other big obstacle is the pervasive level
of stigma (relating to beliefs and attitudes)
and discrimination (relating to actions)
towards people with HIV/ AIDS in the country.
Changing this may be possible in the long term
by repeated anti-stigma campaigns. However,
change will not be possible without two things
– endorsement by political and community
leaders and, more importantly, making the
structural and legislative changes needed to
remove the stigmatisation and discrimination
of persons living with HIV/AIDS and the key
affected populations.
A better example for comparison closer to
home is Hong Kong, which has a population
of 7.1 million compared with Singapore’s 5.2
million, but which has an HIV infection load of
around the same size and has been recording
slight falls in new notifications of HIV infection
recently. Is this the result of a lower CVL in Hong
Kong than in Singapore, and could this have
come about from more widespread testing and
more comprehensive and affordable treatment
programmes?
What do we need to do? It is clear to me that
in order to turn the tide against HIV, we need
to get a lot more people to test, and to test
regularly. This may well mean licensing home
test kits.
We should make HIV testing something
that members of the public do not fear; if
anyone tests positive, they should be able
to get linked to care as soon as possible.
This means training and opening more HIV
treatment centres. Treatment and care must be
convenient, inexpensive and discriminationfree. Affordability must not be a barrier to
accessing treatment and staying on treatment,
otherwise HIV-infected persons will have no
incentive to get tested, they will not receive the
necessary ARV treatment, and those already on
treatment will drop out once their funds dry up.
Last, but not least, is the absolute necessity for
individuals from the key affected populations
to step up to the plate. In Singapore, this really
refers to the MSM community. HIV infection
is not something that is a mystery any more.
We know exactly how to avoid catching it
and we know exactly how to stop spreading
it. If each and every member of the MSM
community takes the personal responsibility
to use condoms every time he has sex, goes
for regular HIV tests, and reduces the number
of sexual partners (if possible stick to one), we
can stop the spread of HIV infection tomorrow.
The job of policymakers, administrators and
advocates is to ensure that nothing stands
in the way of accurate, timely and relevant
prevention resources getting to those who need
them the most, and to make available support
that will empower people to act accordingly.
The Act Issue no. 45
is also known to have long-term complications
and may affect the cardiovascular, metabolic
and nervous systems that could lead to serious
consequences.
As a result of effective ARV treatment, however,
fewer infected people are dying from AIDS than
20 years ago, and there are greater number s of
people with HIV/AIDS among us.
The HIV epidemic is, therefore, becoming
bigger and yet more invisible at the same time.
The improved prognosis and heightened
invisibility of the disease have unfortunately
led to a sense of treatment optimism, fatigue
over safer-sex messages and less fear of AIDS
both in the general population and among
those with high-risk behaviour. Increased
levels of unsafe sexual practices, the ease
of hooking up over the Internet and through
mobile devices, and the increasingly common
practice of mixing sex with pleasure-enhancing
recreational drugs are thought to be dri ver s of
the HIV epidemic among MSM, as well as other
communities all around the world.
Going forward, it is clear that we cannot rely
only on traditional methods of prevention.
We need a systematic approach in analysing
our programme. We can start with estimating
the number of HIV infections in the country.
We know of 5,306 notified HIV infections to
date, but how many more infected indi viduals
remain undetected or have not been notified to
the Government? My “guesstimate” is another
few thousand. We should then ask our selves
how many of those we know about are link ed
to care. Of those link ed to care, how many
stay in care and how many drop out and are
lost to follow-up? Of those remaining in care,
how many are recei ving ARV medications?
And, of those receiving ARV medications, how
many have satisfactorily suppressed their viral
loads?
It is very lik ely that there are significant leaks at
each point of this HIV treatment cascade. A good
example of leak-plugging is the cash subsidy
that is gi ven to per sons who test positi ve at
the Action for AIDS anonymous test site, to
encourage them to go to a medical facility
for clinical evaluation. After this incenti ve
was introduced, the number of per sons with a
positi ve result who were successfully link ed to
care jumped from 9 in 20 09 to 54 last year and
to 44 in the fir st 7 months of this year.
This clearly demonstrates that financial
assistance can play a big role in improving HIV
care, control and prevention here. We must
look for and put in place solutions to plug each
of the leaks in the cascade in order to improve
the situation.
Treatment as prevention
This leads me to the concept of treatment as
prevention. It has recently been shown that
treating people with HIV significantly reduces
the risk of onward transmission to other s.
Furthermore, ARV treatment will have a
significant impact at the population level. The
larger the number of people with HIV infection
who are on treatment and the sooner they are
started on treatment, the greater the chance of
stopping the spread of HIV in the community.
We must be open-minded and willing to try
new approaches when the old ways are not
working well enough.
A useful way of viewing HIV infection is the
concept of the community viral load (CVL). This
can be considered to be the sum total of all the
recent viral loads of all the infected per sons
in the community at any one time. It has been
shown that in a community where most of the
people with HIV infection have been tested,
diagnosed and have been link ed to care, where
there is widespread availability and use of ARV
treatment, the CVL will be low, and this will
17
mean that there will be a decreasing risk of the
infection spreading to uninfected persons.
This is one major obstacle in our programme
and it has only been partially addressed.
This has been demonstrated in places like
San Francisco and Vancouver. Compare this
to a country like Singapore, where many HIVinfected persons are afraid to get tested for
fear that they may lose their jobs, afraid to
seek treatment because they think they cannot
affordmedications, or are only diagnosed late
in the disease: the CVL will be much higher,
leading to higher chances of continued and
increasing HIV transmission.
The other big obstacle is the pervasive level
of stigma (relating to beliefs and attitudes)
and discrimination (relating to actions)
towards people with HIV/ AIDS in the country.
Changing this may be possible in the long term
by repeated anti-stigma campaigns. However,
change will not be possible without two things
– endorsement by political and community
leaders and, more importantly, making the
structural and legislative changes needed to
remove the stigmatisation and discrimination
of persons living with HIV/AIDS and the key
affected populations.
A better example for comparison closer to
home is Hong Kong, which has a population
of 7.1 million compared with Singapore’s 5.2
million, but which has an HIV infection load of
around the same size and has been recording
slight falls in new notifications of HIV infection
recently. Is this the result of a lower CVL in Hong
Kong than in Singapore, and could this have
come about from more widespread testing and
more comprehensive and affordable treatment
programmes?
What do we need to do? It is clear to me that
in order to turn the tide against HIV, we need
to get a lot more people to test, and to test
regularly. This may well mean licensing home
test kits.
We should make HIV testing something
that members of the public do not fear; if
anyone tests positive, they should be able
to get linked to care as soon as possible.
This means training and opening more HIV
treatment centres. Treatment and care must be
convenient, inexpensive and discriminationfree. Affordability must not be a barrier to
accessing treatment and staying on treatment,
otherwise HIV-infected persons will have no
incentive to get tested, they will not receive the
necessary ARV treatment, and those already on
treatment will drop out once their funds dry up.
Last, but not least, is the absolute necessity for
individuals from the key affected populations
to step up to the plate. In Singapore, this really
refers to the MSM community. HIV infection
is not something that is a mystery any more.
We know exactly how to avoid catching it
and we know exactly how to stop spreading
it. If each and every member of the MSM
community takes the personal responsibility
to use condoms every time he has sex, goes
for regular HIV tests, and reduces the number
of sexual partners (if possible stick to one), we
can stop the spread of HIV infection tomorrow.
The job of policymakers, administrators and
advocates is to ensure that nothing stands
in the way of accurate, timely and relevant
prevention resources getting to those who need
them the most, and to make available support
that will empower people to act accordingly.
l o ve g a l a 2 0 1 2
The Act Issue no. 45
Bishop Yap Kim Hao
Bishop Yap is Pastoral Adviser of the Free
Community Church (FCC). The FCC supports
programmes for Per sons Li ving with AIDS
(PLWA), offering medications and assistance
in daily li ving. FCC also promotes safe sex
programmes,
fights
stigmatisation
and
discrimination of PLWA and participates in
services to sex work er s e.g. medical/legal
assistance and provision of condoms.
Set against the spec t a c u l a r b a ck d r o p o f t h e
Flower Dome at the G a r d e n s b y t h e B a y, ov e r
50 0 guests were tre a t e d t o o u r d i s t i n c t i v e
blend of sophisticati o n a n d u n c o nv e n t i o n a l ,
excitin g entertainme n t . A c t i o n f o r A I D S ’s
Love Gala 2012 was a n i g h t t o r e m e m b e r –
and will be for many y e a r s t o c o m e .
L.O.V.E Gala is a spe c i a l f u n d r a i s i n g e v e n t
organised by a team o f d e d i c a t e d vo l u n t e e r s
from AfA, to show th e i r s u p p o rt f o r a s p e c i a l
and worthy cause. Pr o c e e d s f r o m t h i s e v e n t
will be used to fund e d u c a t i o n a l , c a r e a n d
welfare programmes . T h e G a l a wa s w e l l attended by over 50 0 g u e s t s a n d wa s g r a c e d
by the Minister of S t a t e f o r H e a l t h a n d
Manpower, Dr Amy K h o r.
The event mobilised b u s i n e s s e s , c o r p o r a t e
partner s and com m u n i t y s u p p o rt e r s t o
help raise funds so t h a t w e c a n c o n t i n u e
to carry out our mis s i o n t o s t o p t h e s p r e a d
of HIV infection and A I D S a n d t o l e s s e n t h e
i m p a c t o f t h e i n f e c t i o n i n S i n ga p o r e . Fo r 2 4
y e a r s n o w, A f A h a s b e e n a t t h e f o r e f r o n t o f
HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Our longs t a n d i n g s u p p o rt a n d c a r e p r o g r a m m e s h a v e
b e n e f i tt e d t h o u s a n d s o f p e o p l e t h r o u g h
e d u c a t i o n , t e s t i n g a n d p r ov i d i n g a c c e s s t o
care and treatment. All this would not have
b e e n p o s s i b l e w i t h o u t t h e g e n e r o u s s u p p o rt
o f i n d i v i d u a l s a n d o r ga n i s a t i o n s w h o s h a r e
our vision and goals.
In appreciation, AfA introduced and presented
t h e i n a u g u r a l Re d R i b b o n Awa r d s . F i v e
recipients were feted for their significant
c o n t r i b u t i o n s ov e r t h e y e a r s t o wa r d s r a i s i n g
p u b l i c a wa r e n e s s o f H I V / A I D S i n S i n ga p o r e
a n d i t s a tt e n d a n t i s s u e s . T h e i r s u p p o rt h a s
h e l p e d A f A c o n t i n u e o u r e ff o rt s t o r e d u c e
stigma and discrimination for people living
with HIV/AIDS as well as to encourage early
testing and medical treatment.
Here are the five esteemed recipients.
He is Chairman of the Chen Su Lan Trust,
which funds projects of the FCC and Kampong
Kapor Methodist Church (KKMC). Two public
meetings on HIV/AIDS were organised by the
Methodists with k eynote speeches by Donald
Messer of the Church’s (United Methodist
Church in America) Centre for Global AIDS.
Bishop Yap recently attended the Asian
Interfaith Network on AIDS held in conjunction
with the Asia Pacific International Congress
on AIDS in Korea 2011. After returning
home he formed the Singapore Network
on AIDS (SINA). It brings together faithbased programmes in response to HIV/AIDS,
viz. Shelter by the Catholic Church, ARV
medication by FCC, KKMC, Buddhist Tzu Chi
Foundation, Care for the patients in CDC
by City Harvest and Buddhist Fellowship.
The Network holds meetings related to
Sexuality Education, HIV testing, Repeal of
377A and eradication of stigmatisation and
discrimination of PLWA.
Bishop Yap has provided consultations
with the Health Promotion Board for the
Programme of Continuum of Care for PLWA.
He is exploring services to the PLWA in the
community and trying to meet their needs as
they struggle with AIDS. He has been a part of
the Inter Religious Organisation Prayer Team
at the annual AIDS Candlelight Memorial in
Singapore.
19
The Straits Times
The Straits T imes (ST) is Singapore’s highestselling paper, w ith a current daily circulation
of about 365,80 0.
ST is awarded the Red Ribbon Award for their
informed, sensiti ve and responsible writing
on HIV/AIDS-related issues, and for their
dedication and commitment in ensuring that
their reader s are made aware of the realities
of HIV/AIDS.
Over the year s, they have been unafraid to
draw attention to issues that are considered
taboo by the public.
Journalists
a nd
photographer s
have
tackled such important issues as ignorance,
stigmatisation and discrimination, women
and children with HIV/AIDS, sexual minorities,
and access to affordable medication through
creati ve means.
They have employed a graphic novel format,
published per sonal stories of people with
HIV/AIDS, special reports, and acted as
mentor s in a photography workshop which
culminated in a special public exhibition and
a multi-page Sa turday Special Report spread
in 20 09.
ST’s well-researched, analytical and timely
articles and features have led to greater
under standing of the disease and its
attendant issues.
By helping to destigmatise HIV/AIDS as an
issue relating only to “high-risk” groups,
helping to rais e awareness and criticising
adver se policies, ST has helped to provide
hope and solida rity to people li ving with HIV/
AIDS.
l o ve g a l a 2 0 1 2
The Act Issue no. 45
Bishop Yap Kim Hao
Bishop Yap is Pastoral Adviser of the Free
Community Church (FCC). The FCC supports
programmes for Per sons Li ving with AIDS
(PLWA), offering medications and assistance
in daily li ving. FCC also promotes safe sex
programmes,
fights
stigmatisation
and
discrimination of PLWA and participates in
services to sex work er s e.g. medical/legal
assistance and provision of condoms.
Set against the spec t a c u l a r b a ck d r o p o f t h e
Flower Dome at the G a r d e n s b y t h e B a y, ov e r
50 0 guests were tre a t e d t o o u r d i s t i n c t i v e
blend of sophisticati o n a n d u n c o nv e n t i o n a l ,
excitin g entertainme n t . A c t i o n f o r A I D S ’s
Love Gala 2012 was a n i g h t t o r e m e m b e r –
and will be for many y e a r s t o c o m e .
L.O.V.E Gala is a spe c i a l f u n d r a i s i n g e v e n t
organised by a team o f d e d i c a t e d vo l u n t e e r s
from AfA, to show th e i r s u p p o rt f o r a s p e c i a l
and worthy cause. Pr o c e e d s f r o m t h i s e v e n t
will be used to fund e d u c a t i o n a l , c a r e a n d
welfare programmes . T h e G a l a wa s w e l l attended by over 50 0 g u e s t s a n d wa s g r a c e d
by the Minister of S t a t e f o r H e a l t h a n d
Manpower, Dr Amy K h o r.
The event mobilised b u s i n e s s e s , c o r p o r a t e
partner s and com m u n i t y s u p p o rt e r s t o
help raise funds so t h a t w e c a n c o n t i n u e
to carry out our mis s i o n t o s t o p t h e s p r e a d
of HIV infection and A I D S a n d t o l e s s e n t h e
i m p a c t o f t h e i n f e c t i o n i n S i n ga p o r e . Fo r 2 4
y e a r s n o w, A f A h a s b e e n a t t h e f o r e f r o n t o f
HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Our longs t a n d i n g s u p p o rt a n d c a r e p r o g r a m m e s h a v e
b e n e f i tt e d t h o u s a n d s o f p e o p l e t h r o u g h
e d u c a t i o n , t e s t i n g a n d p r ov i d i n g a c c e s s t o
care and treatment. All this would not have
b e e n p o s s i b l e w i t h o u t t h e g e n e r o u s s u p p o rt
o f i n d i v i d u a l s a n d o r ga n i s a t i o n s w h o s h a r e
our vision and goals.
In appreciation, AfA introduced and presented
t h e i n a u g u r a l Re d R i b b o n Awa r d s . F i v e
recipients were feted for their significant
c o n t r i b u t i o n s ov e r t h e y e a r s t o wa r d s r a i s i n g
p u b l i c a wa r e n e s s o f H I V / A I D S i n S i n ga p o r e
a n d i t s a tt e n d a n t i s s u e s . T h e i r s u p p o rt h a s
h e l p e d A f A c o n t i n u e o u r e ff o rt s t o r e d u c e
stigma and discrimination for people living
with HIV/AIDS as well as to encourage early
testing and medical treatment.
Here are the five esteemed recipients.
He is Chairman of the Chen Su Lan Trust,
which funds projects of the FCC and Kampong
Kapor Methodist Church (KKMC). Two public
meetings on HIV/AIDS were organised by the
Methodists with k eynote speeches by Donald
Messer of the Church’s (United Methodist
Church in America) Centre for Global AIDS.
Bishop Yap recently attended the Asian
Interfaith Network on AIDS held in conjunction
with the Asia Pacific International Congress
on AIDS in Korea 2011. After returning
home he formed the Singapore Network
on AIDS (SINA). It brings together faithbased programmes in response to HIV/AIDS,
viz. Shelter by the Catholic Church, ARV
medication by FCC, KKMC, Buddhist Tzu Chi
Foundation, Care for the patients in CDC
by City Harvest and Buddhist Fellowship.
The Network holds meetings related to
Sexuality Education, HIV testing, Repeal of
377A and eradication of stigmatisation and
discrimination of PLWA.
Bishop Yap has provided consultations
with the Health Promotion Board for the
Programme of Continuum of Care for PLWA.
He is exploring services to the PLWA in the
community and trying to meet their needs as
they struggle with AIDS. He has been a part of
the Inter Religious Organisation Prayer Team
at the annual AIDS Candlelight Memorial in
Singapore.
19
The Straits Times
The Straits T imes (ST) is Singapore’s highestselling paper, w ith a current daily circulation
of about 365,80 0.
ST is awarded the Red Ribbon Award for their
informed, sensiti ve and responsible writing
on HIV/AIDS-related issues, and for their
dedication and commitment in ensuring that
their reader s are made aware of the realities
of HIV/AIDS.
Over the year s, they have been unafraid to
draw attention to issues that are considered
taboo by the public.
Journalists
a nd
photographer s
have
tackled such important issues as ignorance,
stigmatisation and discrimination, women
and children with HIV/AIDS, sexual minorities,
and access to affordable medication through
creati ve means.
They have employed a graphic novel format,
published per sonal stories of people with
HIV/AIDS, special reports, and acted as
mentor s in a photography workshop which
culminated in a special public exhibition and
a multi-page Sa turday Special Report spread
in 20 09.
ST’s well-researched, analytical and timely
articles and features have led to greater
under standing of the disease and its
attendant issues.
By helping to destigmatise HIV/AIDS as an
issue relating only to “high-risk” groups,
helping to rais e awareness and criticising
adver se policies, ST has helped to provide
hope and solida rity to people li ving with HIV/
AIDS.
The Act Issue no. 45
Lush 99.5 FM
Action for AIDS was L u s h 9 9 . 5 F M ’s a d o p t e d
charity from 2010 t o 2 011. T h e s t a t i o n’s
creati ve team gave ra d i o c ov e r a g e t o o u t r e a ch
progra mmes,
stren g t h e n e d
educational
messages targeted a t t h e p u b l i c a n d l e n t
support through their p r e s e n c e a t c o m m u n i t y
events.
Working closely with A f A’s w o m e n o u t r e a ch
campaign, “All the L a d i e s ! ”, i n 2 010 , L u s h
99.5 FM advocated f o r i n c r e a s i n g w o m e n’s
sexual health aware n e s s t h r o u g h t a r g e t e d
radio spots, conveyi n g k e y m e s s a g e s s u ch
as the importance o f r e g u l a r H I V t e s t i n g ,
debunking common H I V t r a n s m i s s i o n my t h s ,
and promoting the a n o ny m o u s H I V t e s t i n g
service for women. A s o ff i c i a l m e d i a a n d
event hosts, the Lush 9 9 . 5 F M t e a m s u p p o rt e d
a community movie f u n d r a i s e r w i t h p r o c e e d s
directed towards fam i l i e s a ff e c t e d b y H I V /
AIDS.
In
2011,
Lush
9 9 . 5 F M ’s
DJ s
became
ambassador s for the a n t i - s t i g m a c a m p a i g n ,
“I Want U 2 Li ve”, t o e m p o w e r a n d ga r n e r
support for indi vid u a l s l i v i n g w i t h H I V /
AIDS. The station aire d a ff i r m a t i v e m e s s a g e s
of encouragement f r o m o t h e r c e l e b r i t y
ambassador s, and co n t r i b u t e d t o wa r d s A f A’s
progra mme to fight d i s c r i m i n a t i o n a ga i n s t
HIV/AIDS. In the lead - u p t o Wo r l d A I D S D a y
2011, the Lush team o n c e a ga i n d o n a t e d
airtime for short int e r v i e w s w i t h A f A A I D S
acti vists, doctor s and vo l u n t e e r s t o p r o m o t e
early testing as well a s e a r l y t r e a t m e n t .
M·A·C Cosmetics
The M·A·C AIDS Fund wa s e s t a b l i s h e d i n 19 9 4
to support men, wom e n a n d ch i l d r e n a ff e c t e d
by HIV/AIDS globally. M A F i s a p i o n e e r i n H I V /
AIDS funding, prov i d i n g f i n a n c i a l s u p p o rt
to organisations wo r k i n g w i t h u n d e r s e r v e d
regions and populati o n s .
As the largest corpor a t e n o n - p h a r m a c e u t i c a l
gi ver in the arena, M A F i s c o m m i tt e d t o
addressing the link be t w e e n p ov e rt y a n d H I V /
AIDS by supporting d i v e r s e o r ga n i s a t i o n s
around the world tha t p r ov i d e a w i d e r a n g e
of services to people l i v i n g w i t h H I V / A I D S .
20
3
M · A · C C o s m e t i c s h a s l a u n ch e d s e v e r a l
exclusive
V I VA
GLAM
product
lines.
U n d e r w r i t i n g t h e c o s t o f t h e s e l i p s t i ck s ,
i n c l u d i n g w o u l d - b e p r o f i t s f o r r e t a i l p a rt n e r s ,
M·A·C donates every cent from the sale of the
V I VA G L A M c o l l e c t i o n t o t h e M . A . C A I D S Fu n d .
To d a t e i t h a s r a i s e d ov e r U S $ 2 5 0 m i l l i o n
e x c l u s i v e l y t h r o u g h t h e s a l e o f M · A · C ’s V I VA
G L A M L i p s t i ck a n d L i p g l a s s , d o n a t i n g 10 0
percent of the sale price to help fight HIV/
AIDS.
S i n c e 2 0 01 , t h e Fu n d h a s c o n t r i b u t e d ov e r
$830,0 0 0 to Action for AIDS. These funds
h a v e b e e n u s e d t o s u p p o rt s e v e r a l a wa r e n e s s
a n d s u p p o rt s e r v i c e s , m o s t n o t a b l y A f A’s
Po s i t i v e L i v i n g C e n t r e , t h e Pa d d y C h e w
Pa t i e n t We l f a r e Fu n d a n d m o s t r e c e n t l y t h e
M o b i l e Te s t i n g Se r v i c e .
Club 21
Club 21 has been our longest standing
c o r p o r a t e p a rt n e r f o r ov e r 2 0 y e a r s . T h e
c o m p a ny h a s o r ga n i s e d a n d s u p p o rt e d
s e v e r a l a wa r e n e s s p r o j e c t s a n d f u n d r a i s i n g
events with Action for AIDS. These include
T h e N a m e s M e m o r i a l Q u i l t e x h i b i t i o n ( 19 9 1 ) ,
t h e Pr i n c e s s D i a n a M e m o r i a l D i n n e r ( 19 9 7 ) ,
t h e Po m e l l a t o E v e n i n g o f Ja z z G a l a ( 2 0 01 ) .
Pr o c e e d s f r o m t h e Pr i n c e s s D i a n a M e m o r i a l
D i n n e r w e r e d e d i c a t e d t o wa r d s t h e c r e a t i o n
o f t h e A f A E n d o w m e n t Fu n d .
Club 21 has established itself as a leading
arbiter of style throughout Asia, and has
s u p p o rt e d c a u s e s r a n g i n g f r o m w o m e n’s
e m p o w e r m e n t , t h e e nv i r o n m e n t a n d ch i l d r e n
a c r o s s i t s 10 o ff i c e s w o r l d w i d e . A f A i s a m o n g
t h e l e a d i n g ch a r i t i e s s u p p o rt e d b y C l u b 2 1.
This year, Club 21 celebrates its 40th
anni ver sary. To commemorate this milestone,
Club 21 and the COMO Foundation, its
philanthropic affiliate, are encouraging staff
philanthropy and volunteerism by engaging
its 380 0 employees to support gender-focused
causes in 16 countries in the developing world.
1
4
2
5
1 Bishop Yap Kim How
2 Wong Kim Hoh,
The Straits Times
3 Joyce Teh,
MAC Cosmetics
4 Georgina Chang,
Lush 99.5FM
5 Bernard Teo,
Club 21
The Gala was well-attended by over 500 guests and
was graced by the Minister of State for Health and
Manpower, Dr Amy Khor.
The Act Issue no. 45
Lush 99.5 FM
Action for AIDS was L u s h 9 9 . 5 F M ’s a d o p t e d
charity from 2010 t o 2 011. T h e s t a t i o n’s
creati ve team gave ra d i o c ov e r a g e t o o u t r e a ch
progra mmes,
stren g t h e n e d
educational
messages targeted a t t h e p u b l i c a n d l e n t
support through their p r e s e n c e a t c o m m u n i t y
events.
Working closely with A f A’s w o m e n o u t r e a ch
campaign, “All the L a d i e s ! ”, i n 2 010 , L u s h
99.5 FM advocated f o r i n c r e a s i n g w o m e n’s
sexual health aware n e s s t h r o u g h t a r g e t e d
radio spots, conveyi n g k e y m e s s a g e s s u ch
as the importance o f r e g u l a r H I V t e s t i n g ,
debunking common H I V t r a n s m i s s i o n my t h s ,
and promoting the a n o ny m o u s H I V t e s t i n g
service for women. A s o ff i c i a l m e d i a a n d
event hosts, the Lush 9 9 . 5 F M t e a m s u p p o rt e d
a community movie f u n d r a i s e r w i t h p r o c e e d s
directed towards fam i l i e s a ff e c t e d b y H I V /
AIDS.
In
2011,
Lush
9 9 . 5 F M ’s
DJ s
became
ambassador s for the a n t i - s t i g m a c a m p a i g n ,
“I Want U 2 Li ve”, t o e m p o w e r a n d ga r n e r
support for indi vid u a l s l i v i n g w i t h H I V /
AIDS. The station aire d a ff i r m a t i v e m e s s a g e s
of encouragement f r o m o t h e r c e l e b r i t y
ambassador s, and co n t r i b u t e d t o wa r d s A f A’s
progra mme to fight d i s c r i m i n a t i o n a ga i n s t
HIV/AIDS. In the lead - u p t o Wo r l d A I D S D a y
2011, the Lush team o n c e a ga i n d o n a t e d
airtime for short int e r v i e w s w i t h A f A A I D S
acti vists, doctor s and vo l u n t e e r s t o p r o m o t e
early testing as well a s e a r l y t r e a t m e n t .
M·A·C Cosmetics
The M·A·C AIDS Fund wa s e s t a b l i s h e d i n 19 9 4
to support men, wom e n a n d ch i l d r e n a ff e c t e d
by HIV/AIDS globally. M A F i s a p i o n e e r i n H I V /
AIDS funding, prov i d i n g f i n a n c i a l s u p p o rt
to organisations wo r k i n g w i t h u n d e r s e r v e d
regions and populati o n s .
As the largest corpor a t e n o n - p h a r m a c e u t i c a l
gi ver in the arena, M A F i s c o m m i tt e d t o
addressing the link be t w e e n p ov e rt y a n d H I V /
AIDS by supporting d i v e r s e o r ga n i s a t i o n s
around the world tha t p r ov i d e a w i d e r a n g e
of services to people l i v i n g w i t h H I V / A I D S .
20
3
M · A · C C o s m e t i c s h a s l a u n ch e d s e v e r a l
exclusive
V I VA
GLAM
product
lines.
U n d e r w r i t i n g t h e c o s t o f t h e s e l i p s t i ck s ,
i n c l u d i n g w o u l d - b e p r o f i t s f o r r e t a i l p a rt n e r s ,
M·A·C donates every cent from the sale of the
V I VA G L A M c o l l e c t i o n t o t h e M . A . C A I D S Fu n d .
To d a t e i t h a s r a i s e d ov e r U S $ 2 5 0 m i l l i o n
e x c l u s i v e l y t h r o u g h t h e s a l e o f M · A · C ’s V I VA
G L A M L i p s t i ck a n d L i p g l a s s , d o n a t i n g 10 0
percent of the sale price to help fight HIV/
AIDS.
S i n c e 2 0 01 , t h e Fu n d h a s c o n t r i b u t e d ov e r
$830,0 0 0 to Action for AIDS. These funds
h a v e b e e n u s e d t o s u p p o rt s e v e r a l a wa r e n e s s
a n d s u p p o rt s e r v i c e s , m o s t n o t a b l y A f A’s
Po s i t i v e L i v i n g C e n t r e , t h e Pa d d y C h e w
Pa t i e n t We l f a r e Fu n d a n d m o s t r e c e n t l y t h e
M o b i l e Te s t i n g Se r v i c e .
Club 21
Club 21 has been our longest standing
c o r p o r a t e p a rt n e r f o r ov e r 2 0 y e a r s . T h e
c o m p a ny h a s o r ga n i s e d a n d s u p p o rt e d
s e v e r a l a wa r e n e s s p r o j e c t s a n d f u n d r a i s i n g
events with Action for AIDS. These include
T h e N a m e s M e m o r i a l Q u i l t e x h i b i t i o n ( 19 9 1 ) ,
t h e Pr i n c e s s D i a n a M e m o r i a l D i n n e r ( 19 9 7 ) ,
t h e Po m e l l a t o E v e n i n g o f Ja z z G a l a ( 2 0 01 ) .
Pr o c e e d s f r o m t h e Pr i n c e s s D i a n a M e m o r i a l
D i n n e r w e r e d e d i c a t e d t o wa r d s t h e c r e a t i o n
o f t h e A f A E n d o w m e n t Fu n d .
Club 21 has established itself as a leading
arbiter of style throughout Asia, and has
s u p p o rt e d c a u s e s r a n g i n g f r o m w o m e n’s
e m p o w e r m e n t , t h e e nv i r o n m e n t a n d ch i l d r e n
a c r o s s i t s 10 o ff i c e s w o r l d w i d e . A f A i s a m o n g
t h e l e a d i n g ch a r i t i e s s u p p o rt e d b y C l u b 2 1.
This year, Club 21 celebrates its 40th
anni ver sary. To commemorate this milestone,
Club 21 and the COMO Foundation, its
philanthropic affiliate, are encouraging staff
philanthropy and volunteerism by engaging
its 380 0 employees to support gender-focused
causes in 16 countries in the developing world.
1
4
2
5
1 Bishop Yap Kim How
2 Wong Kim Hoh,
The Straits Times
3 Joyce Teh,
MAC Cosmetics
4 Georgina Chang,
Lush 99.5FM
5 Bernard Teo,
Club 21
The Gala was well-attended by over 500 guests and
was graced by the Minister of State for Health and
Manpower, Dr Amy Khor.
The Act Issue no. 45
23
8
12
6
13
9
10
7
6 Guest enjoying the
Flower Dome.
14
7 The Red Ribbon
Awards.
8-11 A dazzling night
of entertainment.
12-15 Some of our
LOVEly gala guests.
11
15
The Act Issue no. 45
23
8
12
6
13
9
10
7
6 Guest enjoying the
Flower Dome.
14
7 The Red Ribbon
Awards.
8-11 A dazzling night
of entertainment.
12-15 Some of our
LOVEly gala guests.
11
15
8 t h S i n g a p o r e AIDS C o n fe r e n c e
1 7 N o v e m be r 2 0 1 2 ,
M a n d a r i n O r c h a r d
The Act Issue no. 45
25
H o t e l
The 8th Singapore AID S C o n f e r e n c e wa s h e l d o n 17 N ov e m b e r 2 012 a t t h e M a n d a r i n
Orchar d from 8am till 5 p m . Jo i n t l y o r ga n i s e d b y A c t i o n f o r A I D S ( S i n ga p o r e ) , Ta n
Tock Seng Hospital an d H e a l t h Pr o m o t i o n B o a r d , t h e C o n f e r e n c e’s g u e s t o f h o n o u r
was Dr Amy Khor, Mi n i s t e r o f S t a t e f o r H e a l t h a n d M a n p o w e r, a n d C h a i r m a n o f
the National AIDS Po l i c y C o m m i tt e e .
The Conference was well-attended by over 50 0 participants, ranging from health
care professionals, scientists and policy mak er s to community acti vists, People
Li ving with HIV and volunteer s. This year ’s theme was “Getting to Zero: Zero
New HIV Infections, Zero AIDS-related Deaths, Zero Discrimination”, in line with
UNAIDS’s current vision.
7
8
9
10
3
1
1 The audience and guests.
4
2 The SAC organising
committee with Guest of
Honour, Dr Amy Khor.
3, 7 A standing ovation for
Avin Tan, who came out as
a PLHA.
4 Talented artists supporting
SAC.
5-11 Some of the distinguished
speakers at the Conference.
5
2
6
11
8 t h S i n g a p o r e AIDS C o n fe r e n c e
1 7 N o v e m be r 2 0 1 2 ,
M a n d a r i n O r c h a r d
The Act Issue no. 45
25
H o t e l
The 8th Singapore AID S C o n f e r e n c e wa s h e l d o n 17 N ov e m b e r 2 012 a t t h e M a n d a r i n
Orchar d from 8am till 5 p m . Jo i n t l y o r ga n i s e d b y A c t i o n f o r A I D S ( S i n ga p o r e ) , Ta n
Tock Seng Hospital an d H e a l t h Pr o m o t i o n B o a r d , t h e C o n f e r e n c e’s g u e s t o f h o n o u r
was Dr Amy Khor, Mi n i s t e r o f S t a t e f o r H e a l t h a n d M a n p o w e r, a n d C h a i r m a n o f
the National AIDS Po l i c y C o m m i tt e e .
The Conference was well-attended by over 50 0 participants, ranging from health
care professionals, scientists and policy mak er s to community acti vists, People
Li ving with HIV and volunteer s. This year ’s theme was “Getting to Zero: Zero
New HIV Infections, Zero AIDS-related Deaths, Zero Discrimination”, in line with
UNAIDS’s current vision.
7
8
9
10
3
1
1 The audience and guests.
4
2 The SAC organising
committee with Guest of
Honour, Dr Amy Khor.
3, 7 A standing ovation for
Avin Tan, who came out as
a PLHA.
4 Talented artists supporting
SAC.
5-11 Some of the distinguished
speakers at the Conference.
5
2
6
11
The Act Issue no. 45
Linkage to Care for
Ne w l y D i a g n o s e d HI V + P a t i e n t s
t h r o u g h F i n a n c i a l I n c e n t i ve s
Singh A, Lo, Connell, Chan
N a t i o n a l S k i n Ce n t r e , A c t i o n f o r AIDS S i n g a p o r e
Figure 2. Engagement in care continuum. Modified from Cheever LW.
Clin Infect Dis. 2007;44:1500-1502
Figure 1.
Cascade for the continuum of HIV care. Modified from : Prevention of HIV Acquisition:
Behavioral, Biomedical, and Other Interventions, Moupali Das MD, MPH,
http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/766250
B ac kgroun d
Since the fir st HI V p o s i t i v e c a s e wa s
diagnosed in Singapo r e i n M a y 19 8 5 , b o t h H I V
incidence and preval e n c e h a v e i n c r e a s e d . I n
2011, the Ministry of H e a l t h ( M O H ) r e p o rt e d
461 ne wly diagnosed c a s e s o f H I V i n f e c t i o n ,
bringing the total n u m b e r o f H I V i n f e c t e d
Singaporean residen t s t o 5 , 3 0 6 . S i n c e 2 0 0 8 ,
MOH has expanded t h e H I V t e s t i n g p r o g r a m
by increasing the n u m b e r o f a n o ny m o u s
testing sites and by o ff e r i n g o p t - o u t i n p a t i e n t
testing at hospitals. D e s p i t e t h i s , m o r e t h a n
half of newly diagno s e d c a s e s a l r e a d y h a d
advanced infection, a s d e f i n e d b y C D 4 c o u n t s
of less than 20 0 ce l l s p e r c u m m o r A I D S
defining illness at pr e s e n t a t i o n .
Early diagnosis and li n k a g e t o c a r e c o n t i n u u m
of (Figure 1, Figure 2) f o r H I V p o s i t i v e p a t i e n t s
is a critical strateg y t o i m p r ov i n g h e a l t h
outcomes and decre a s i n g t r a n s m i s s i o n o f
HIV 2 , 3 , 4 , 5,6 .
Howev er many barrie r s t o e a r l y d i a g n o s i s a n d
treatment exist, such a s f e a r o f d i s c r i m i n a t i o n ,
stigma tisation and co s t o f t r e a t m e n t .
We examined the im p a c t o n t h e u p t a k e o f
hospital referrals of t h e p a rt i a l s u b s i d i s i n g o f
the fir st hospital vis i t f o r n e w l y d i a g n o s e d
HIV positi ve patients a t t h e A c t i o n f o r A I D S
Anonymous Counsell i n g a n d Te s t i n g Se r v i c e
(ATS), which has the l a r g e s t vo l u m e o f t e s t s
in Singapore.
Meth o d o l o g y
Da t a wa s c o l l e c t e d f r o m AT S d u r i n g t h e
p e r i o d 1 s t Ja n u a r y 2 010 t o 3 1 s t Ju n e 2 012 .
15 111 r a p i d H I V t e s t s w e r e p e r f o r m e d d u r i n g
this period. All those who tested positive
( n = 2 10 , o f w h i ch 9 8 ( 1. 7 % ) i n 2 010 , 14 7 ( 2 . 4 % )
i n 2 011 , 6 5 ( 1. 9 % ) i n 2 012 ) w e r e o ff e r e d
c o n f i r m a t o r y We s t e r n B l o t ( W B ) t e s t s , u n l e s s
the client declined immediately (e.g. social
v i s i t p a s s v i s i t o r s t o S i n ga p o r e ) . A l l c l i e n t s
who were confirmed positive on WB test were
o ff e r e d a n H I V M e d i c a l M a n a g e m e n t S u b s i d y
of up to a maximum of $20 0 for their first
visit to either CDC (Centre for Communicable
Di s e a s e s ) o r N a t i o n a l U n i v e r s i t y H o s p i t a l .
References
1. H I V
Statistics,
Ministry
of
Health,
S i n ga p o r e ,
h t t p : / / w w w. m o h . g o v. s g / c o n t e n t / m o h _ w e b / h o m e /
statistics/infectiousDiseasesStatistics/HIV_Stats.
html
2 . K i t a h a t a M M , G a n g e S J, A b r a h a m AG , M e rr i m a n
B , Sa a g M S , Ju s t i c e AC , e t a l . E ff e c t o f e a r l y
v e r s u s d e f e rr e d a n t i r e t r ov i r a l t h e r a p y f o r H I V
Resu lts
I n 2 010 , 6 0 . 9 % ( 4 2 o f 9 8 ) , i n 2 011 , 6 3 . 2 % ( 5 5 o f
14 7 ) a n d t i l l Ju n e 2 012 , 10 0 % ( 4 0 o f 4 0 ) o f t h e
c l i e n t s w e r e s u c c e s s f u l l y r e f e rr e d t o t h e l o c a l
specialists for HIV management.
o n s u r v i v a l . N E n g l J M e d 2 0 0 9 ; 3 6 0 : 18 15 - 2 6 .
P M I D : 19 3 3 9 7 14 d o i : 10 . 10 5 6 / N E J M o a 0 8 0 7 2 5 2
3 . M S C o h e n , Y Q C h e n , M M c C a u l e y Pr e v e n t i o n o f
H I V- 1 I n f e c t i o n w i t h E a r l y A n t i r e t r ov i r a l T h e r a p y.
N E n g l J M e d 2 011 3 6 5 : 4 9 3 – 5 0 5 . A u g u s t 11 , 2 011
4 . Po r c o T C , M a rt i n J N , Pa g e - S h a f e r K A , e t a l . D e-
C o nclu s i o n
These increased numbers and percentages
o f H I V p o s i t i v e c l i e n t s s u c c e s s f u l l y r e f e rr e d
and linked to care indicate that that financial
incentivisation can be used as an impetus
t o s t r e n g t h e n i n g t h e l i n k a g e s b e t w e e n AT S
t e s t i n g , r e f e rr a l a n d t r e a t m e n t . T h i s p r a c t i c e
should be adopted and spread to all testing
s i t e s i n t h e c o u n t r y.
c l i n e i n H I V i n f e c t i v i t y f o l l o w i n g t h e i n t r o d u ct i o n o f h i g h l y a c t i v e a n t i r e t r ov i r a l t h e r a p y. A I D S
2 0 0 4 ; 18 : 8 1- 8 8 .
5 . C D C . E ff e c t o f a n t i r e t r ov i r a l T h e r a p y o n r i s k o f
sexual transmission of HIV infection and superinf e c t i o n . Fa c t s h e e t . A u g u s t 2 0 0 9 .
6 . D a s M , C h u P L , Sa n t o s G - M , e t a l . D e c r e a s e s i n
community viral load are accompanied by reduct i o n s i n n e w H I V i n f e c t i o n s i n Sa n Fr a n c i s c o . P Lo S
O N E . 2 010 ; 5 : e 110 6 8 .
27
The Act Issue no. 45
Linkage to Care for
Ne w l y D i a g n o s e d HI V + P a t i e n t s
t h r o u g h F i n a n c i a l I n c e n t i ve s
Singh A, Lo, Connell, Chan
N a t i o n a l S k i n Ce n t r e , A c t i o n f o r AIDS S i n g a p o r e
Figure 2. Engagement in care continuum. Modified from Cheever LW.
Clin Infect Dis. 2007;44:1500-1502
Figure 1.
Cascade for the continuum of HIV care. Modified from : Prevention of HIV Acquisition:
Behavioral, Biomedical, and Other Interventions, Moupali Das MD, MPH,
http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/766250
B ac kgroun d
Since the fir st HI V p o s i t i v e c a s e wa s
diagnosed in Singapo r e i n M a y 19 8 5 , b o t h H I V
incidence and preval e n c e h a v e i n c r e a s e d . I n
2011, the Ministry of H e a l t h ( M O H ) r e p o rt e d
461 ne wly diagnosed c a s e s o f H I V i n f e c t i o n ,
bringing the total n u m b e r o f H I V i n f e c t e d
Singaporean residen t s t o 5 , 3 0 6 . S i n c e 2 0 0 8 ,
MOH has expanded t h e H I V t e s t i n g p r o g r a m
by increasing the n u m b e r o f a n o ny m o u s
testing sites and by o ff e r i n g o p t - o u t i n p a t i e n t
testing at hospitals. D e s p i t e t h i s , m o r e t h a n
half of newly diagno s e d c a s e s a l r e a d y h a d
advanced infection, a s d e f i n e d b y C D 4 c o u n t s
of less than 20 0 ce l l s p e r c u m m o r A I D S
defining illness at pr e s e n t a t i o n .
Early diagnosis and li n k a g e t o c a r e c o n t i n u u m
of (Figure 1, Figure 2) f o r H I V p o s i t i v e p a t i e n t s
is a critical strateg y t o i m p r ov i n g h e a l t h
outcomes and decre a s i n g t r a n s m i s s i o n o f
HIV 2 , 3 , 4 , 5,6 .
Howev er many barrie r s t o e a r l y d i a g n o s i s a n d
treatment exist, such a s f e a r o f d i s c r i m i n a t i o n ,
stigma tisation and co s t o f t r e a t m e n t .
We examined the im p a c t o n t h e u p t a k e o f
hospital referrals of t h e p a rt i a l s u b s i d i s i n g o f
the fir st hospital vis i t f o r n e w l y d i a g n o s e d
HIV positi ve patients a t t h e A c t i o n f o r A I D S
Anonymous Counsell i n g a n d Te s t i n g Se r v i c e
(ATS), which has the l a r g e s t vo l u m e o f t e s t s
in Singapore.
Meth o d o l o g y
Da t a wa s c o l l e c t e d f r o m AT S d u r i n g t h e
p e r i o d 1 s t Ja n u a r y 2 010 t o 3 1 s t Ju n e 2 012 .
15 111 r a p i d H I V t e s t s w e r e p e r f o r m e d d u r i n g
this period. All those who tested positive
( n = 2 10 , o f w h i ch 9 8 ( 1. 7 % ) i n 2 010 , 14 7 ( 2 . 4 % )
i n 2 011 , 6 5 ( 1. 9 % ) i n 2 012 ) w e r e o ff e r e d
c o n f i r m a t o r y We s t e r n B l o t ( W B ) t e s t s , u n l e s s
the client declined immediately (e.g. social
v i s i t p a s s v i s i t o r s t o S i n ga p o r e ) . A l l c l i e n t s
who were confirmed positive on WB test were
o ff e r e d a n H I V M e d i c a l M a n a g e m e n t S u b s i d y
of up to a maximum of $20 0 for their first
visit to either CDC (Centre for Communicable
Di s e a s e s ) o r N a t i o n a l U n i v e r s i t y H o s p i t a l .
References
1. H I V
Statistics,
Ministry
of
Health,
S i n ga p o r e ,
h t t p : / / w w w. m o h . g o v. s g / c o n t e n t / m o h _ w e b / h o m e /
statistics/infectiousDiseasesStatistics/HIV_Stats.
html
2 . K i t a h a t a M M , G a n g e S J, A b r a h a m AG , M e rr i m a n
B , Sa a g M S , Ju s t i c e AC , e t a l . E ff e c t o f e a r l y
v e r s u s d e f e rr e d a n t i r e t r ov i r a l t h e r a p y f o r H I V
Resu lts
I n 2 010 , 6 0 . 9 % ( 4 2 o f 9 8 ) , i n 2 011 , 6 3 . 2 % ( 5 5 o f
14 7 ) a n d t i l l Ju n e 2 012 , 10 0 % ( 4 0 o f 4 0 ) o f t h e
c l i e n t s w e r e s u c c e s s f u l l y r e f e rr e d t o t h e l o c a l
specialists for HIV management.
o n s u r v i v a l . N E n g l J M e d 2 0 0 9 ; 3 6 0 : 18 15 - 2 6 .
P M I D : 19 3 3 9 7 14 d o i : 10 . 10 5 6 / N E J M o a 0 8 0 7 2 5 2
3 . M S C o h e n , Y Q C h e n , M M c C a u l e y Pr e v e n t i o n o f
H I V- 1 I n f e c t i o n w i t h E a r l y A n t i r e t r ov i r a l T h e r a p y.
N E n g l J M e d 2 011 3 6 5 : 4 9 3 – 5 0 5 . A u g u s t 11 , 2 011
4 . Po r c o T C , M a rt i n J N , Pa g e - S h a f e r K A , e t a l . D e-
C o nclu s i o n
These increased numbers and percentages
o f H I V p o s i t i v e c l i e n t s s u c c e s s f u l l y r e f e rr e d
and linked to care indicate that that financial
incentivisation can be used as an impetus
t o s t r e n g t h e n i n g t h e l i n k a g e s b e t w e e n AT S
t e s t i n g , r e f e rr a l a n d t r e a t m e n t . T h i s p r a c t i c e
should be adopted and spread to all testing
s i t e s i n t h e c o u n t r y.
c l i n e i n H I V i n f e c t i v i t y f o l l o w i n g t h e i n t r o d u ct i o n o f h i g h l y a c t i v e a n t i r e t r ov i r a l t h e r a p y. A I D S
2 0 0 4 ; 18 : 8 1- 8 8 .
5 . C D C . E ff e c t o f a n t i r e t r ov i r a l T h e r a p y o n r i s k o f
sexual transmission of HIV infection and superinf e c t i o n . Fa c t s h e e t . A u g u s t 2 0 0 9 .
6 . D a s M , C h u P L , Sa n t o s G - M , e t a l . D e c r e a s e s i n
community viral load are accompanied by reduct i o n s i n n e w H I V i n f e c t i o n s i n Sa n Fr a n c i s c o . P Lo S
O N E . 2 010 ; 5 : e 110 6 8 .
27
Establishing Relationships with Exclusive Pub Networks to Engage Men to
Use Condoms
Singapore residents were newly reported with HIV infection. 93% were male, of which 46% were
E s t a b l i s h i n g Re l a t Inthrought
i 2011,
o n461
s
hips
P r o m o t i n g S a fe r Se x a n d
heterosexual transmission.
decided
to
encourage
men
who frequent pubs whereC
indirect
sex
workers
can
be HI
found V
to use
condoms.
w i t h E x c l u s i ve P u b We
Ne
t
w
o
r
k
s
r
e
a
t
i
n
g
/
AIDS
awareness
Our Safe Sex Shows reach out to men who frequent nightspots and who are customers of indirect sex workers.
to Engage Men to Use Condoms
for heterosexual males
t r a ve l l i n g t o B a t a m / B i n t a n
Edutainment,
Postive message,
Fun Quiz
In 2011, 461
Promoting Safer Sex and Creating HIV/AIDS awareness for heterosexual
males travelling
to Batam/Bintan
Singapore
residents were
newly reports with HIV infection.
Female 7%
s
ow
h
S
x
r Se
Safe
Voluntary HIV
screening 14%
Male 93%
Medical screening
14%
Medical care
58%
Bisexual
9%
Homosexual
42%
Intravenous
drug use 0.4%
Heterosexual
46%
In 2011, 461 Singapore residents were newly reports with HIV infection.
Heterosexual males visiting sex workers in Batam and Bintan are at a high risk of contracting HIV.
Edu tainment, Postive message, Fun Quiz
Establishing Relationships with Exclusive Pub Networks to Engage Men to
Use Condoms
Short video clip at
http://youtu.be/McHXhzVX_mw
In 2011, 461 Singapore residents were newly reported with HIV infection. 93% were male, of which 46% were
throught heterosexual transmission.
We decided to encourage men who frequent pubs where indirect sex workers can be found to use condoms.
Our Safe Sex Shows reach out to men who frequent nightspots and who are customers of indirect sex workers.
Survey result: Men using condoms with
casual sex partner
In 2011, 461 Singapo r e r e s i d e n t s w e r e n e w l y r e p o rt e d w i t h
HIV infection. 93% w e r e m a l e , o f w h i ch 4 6 % w e r e t h r o u g h t
heterosexual transmi s s i o n .
We decided to enco u r a g e m e n w h o f r e q u e n t p u b s w h e r e
indirect sex work er s c a n b e f o u n d t o u s e c o n d o m s . O u r Sa f e
Sex Shows reach out t o m e n w h o f r e q u e n t n i g h t sp o t s a n d w h o
are customer s of indi r e c t s e x w o r k e r s .
ex S
rS
Safe
s
how
We needed the support of the pub owners before
we could do shows on their premises. This required time and patience on our part to cultivate
the relationships in this closely knit network.
180
160
140
120
100
Yes
No
80
60
40
20
0
18-21
22-25
26-30
31-35
36-40
41-50
51-60
Edu tainment, Postive message, Fun Quiz
Short video clip at
We n ee d e d t h e s u p p o r t o f t h e p u b o w n e r s b ef o rhttp://youtu.be/McHXhzVX_mw
e
w e c o u l d d o s h o w s o n t h e i r p r em i s e s . T h i s r e q u i r e d
S h o rt video clip
t i me a n d p a t i e n c e o n o u r p a r t t o c u l t i v a t e t h e
a t h tt p : //youtu.be/
M c H X hzVX_mw
r e l at i o n s h i p s i n t h i s c l o s e ly k n i t n e t w o r k .
Survey result: Men using condoms with
casual sex partner
Total of 25 outreach visits to
the ferry terminals,
Reached out to 5,000 males
in 2011
We needed the support of the pub owners before
we could do shows on their premises. This re-
We strive to develop innovative ideas of reaching out to our target audience
through outreach at areas which they frequent.
Total of 25 outreach visits to the ferry terminals,
Reached out to 5,0 0 0 males in 2011
We s t r i ve t o d eve l o p i n n o v a t i ve i d e a s o f r e a c h i n g o u t t o o u r t a r g e t a u d i e n c e
t h r o u g h o u t r e a c h at a r e a s w h i c h t h e y f r e q u e n t.
Establishing Relationships with Exclusive Pub Networks to Engage Men to
Use Condoms
Singapore residents were newly reported with HIV infection. 93% were male, of which 46% were
E s t a b l i s h i n g Re l a t Inthrought
i 2011,
o n461
s
hips
P r o m o t i n g S a fe r Se x a n d
heterosexual transmission.
decided
to
encourage
men
who frequent pubs whereC
indirect
sex
workers
can
be HI
found V
to use
condoms.
w i t h E x c l u s i ve P u b We
Ne
t
w
o
r
k
s
r
e
a
t
i
n
g
/
AIDS
awareness
Our Safe Sex Shows reach out to men who frequent nightspots and who are customers of indirect sex workers.
to Engage Men to Use Condoms
for heterosexual males
t r a ve l l i n g t o B a t a m / B i n t a n
Edutainment,
Postive message,
Fun Quiz
In 2011, 461
Promoting Safer Sex and Creating HIV/AIDS awareness for heterosexual
males travelling
to Batam/Bintan
Singapore
residents were
newly reports with HIV infection.
Female 7%
s
ow
h
S
x
r Se
Safe
Voluntary HIV
screening 14%
Male 93%
Medical screening
14%
Medical care
58%
Bisexual
9%
Homosexual
42%
Intravenous
drug use 0.4%
Heterosexual
46%
In 2011, 461 Singapore residents were newly reports with HIV infection.
Heterosexual males visiting sex workers in Batam and Bintan are at a high risk of contracting HIV.
Edu tainment, Postive message, Fun Quiz
Establishing Relationships with Exclusive Pub Networks to Engage Men to
Use Condoms
Short video clip at
http://youtu.be/McHXhzVX_mw
In 2011, 461 Singapore residents were newly reported with HIV infection. 93% were male, of which 46% were
throught heterosexual transmission.
We decided to encourage men who frequent pubs where indirect sex workers can be found to use condoms.
Our Safe Sex Shows reach out to men who frequent nightspots and who are customers of indirect sex workers.
Survey result: Men using condoms with
casual sex partner
In 2011, 461 Singapo r e r e s i d e n t s w e r e n e w l y r e p o rt e d w i t h
HIV infection. 93% w e r e m a l e , o f w h i ch 4 6 % w e r e t h r o u g h t
heterosexual transmi s s i o n .
We decided to enco u r a g e m e n w h o f r e q u e n t p u b s w h e r e
indirect sex work er s c a n b e f o u n d t o u s e c o n d o m s . O u r Sa f e
Sex Shows reach out t o m e n w h o f r e q u e n t n i g h t sp o t s a n d w h o
are customer s of indi r e c t s e x w o r k e r s .
ex S
rS
Safe
s
how
We needed the support of the pub owners before
we could do shows on their premises. This required time and patience on our part to cultivate
the relationships in this closely knit network.
180
160
140
120
100
Yes
No
80
60
40
20
0
18-21
22-25
26-30
31-35
36-40
41-50
51-60
Edu tainment, Postive message, Fun Quiz
Short video clip at
We n ee d e d t h e s u p p o r t o f t h e p u b o w n e r s b ef o rhttp://youtu.be/McHXhzVX_mw
e
w e c o u l d d o s h o w s o n t h e i r p r em i s e s . T h i s r e q u i r e d
S h o rt video clip
t i me a n d p a t i e n c e o n o u r p a r t t o c u l t i v a t e t h e
a t h tt p : //youtu.be/
M c H X hzVX_mw
r e l at i o n s h i p s i n t h i s c l o s e ly k n i t n e t w o r k .
Survey result: Men using condoms with
casual sex partner
Total of 25 outreach visits to
the ferry terminals,
Reached out to 5,000 males
in 2011
We needed the support of the pub owners before
we could do shows on their premises. This re-
We strive to develop innovative ideas of reaching out to our target audience
through outreach at areas which they frequent.
Total of 25 outreach visits to the ferry terminals,
Reached out to 5,0 0 0 males in 2011
We s t r i ve t o d eve l o p i n n o v a t i ve i d e a s o f r e a c h i n g o u t t o o u r t a r g e t a u d i e n c e
t h r o u g h o u t r e a c h at a r e a s w h i c h t h e y f r e q u e n t.
Re a c h i n g o u t t o t h e g e n e r a l
public through entertaining
Ge t a i s h o w s t o c r e a t e HI V /
AIDS a w a r e n e s s a n d d i s p e r s e
HI V / AIDS m y t h s
Getai shows,
9,000 person reached,
70% are men
AIDS W a l k 2 0 1 2
2 De c e m be r 2 0 1 2
* S c a pe W a r e h o u s e ,
2 p m
t o
5 p m
It was probably the wettest day of the year, but the dreary weather did
not stop over 20 0 participants and volunteer s who were determined
to walk and show their support for people li ving with HIV. Joined
by guest of honour, Dr Amy Khor, Minister of State for Health and
Manpower, and Chairman of the National AIDS Policy Committee,
participants held bold red umbrellas and trooped from *Scape
Warehouse to the MAC Cosmetics counter at Tangs, where Action for
AIDS recei ved a generous $160,0 0 0 cheque from the MAC AIDS Fund.
Engaged audiene with interesting talk
shows, skits, singing and dancing
Getai show is an effe c t i v e wa y t o r e a ch o u t t o t h i s g r o u p o f
people who do not fr e q u e n t p u b s o r n i g h t s p o t .
Collaterals written in mandarin and fans printed with HIV/AIDS
related message are distributed in 2012 Getai.
Walking towards
S h o rt v ideo clip at
h tt p : / /youtu.be/
c O p G fh5VWU8
Zero new infections,
Zero deaths,
Zero stigma and
discrimination!
Re a c h i n g o u t t o t h e g e n e r a l
public through entertaining
Ge t a i s h o w s t o c r e a t e HI V /
AIDS a w a r e n e s s a n d d i s p e r s e
HI V / AIDS m y t h s
Getai shows,
9,000 person reached,
70% are men
AIDS W a l k 2 0 1 2
2 De c e m be r 2 0 1 2
* S c a pe W a r e h o u s e ,
2 p m
t o
5 p m
It was probably the wettest day of the year, but the dreary weather did
not stop over 20 0 participants and volunteer s who were determined
to walk and show their support for people li ving with HIV. Joined
by guest of honour, Dr Amy Khor, Minister of State for Health and
Manpower, and Chairman of the National AIDS Policy Committee,
participants held bold red umbrellas and trooped from *Scape
Warehouse to the MAC Cosmetics counter at Tangs, where Action for
AIDS recei ved a generous $160,0 0 0 cheque from the MAC AIDS Fund.
Engaged audiene with interesting talk
shows, skits, singing and dancing
Getai show is an effe c t i v e wa y t o r e a ch o u t t o t h i s g r o u p o f
people who do not fr e q u e n t p u b s o r n i g h t s p o t .
Collaterals written in mandarin and fans printed with HIV/AIDS
related message are distributed in 2012 Getai.
Walking towards
S h o rt v ideo clip at
h tt p : / /youtu.be/
c O p G fh5VWU8
Zero new infections,
Zero deaths,
Zero stigma and
discrimination!
PRO V IDING A SUPPORTI V E
E N V IRON M E NT i N TH E WORKPLAC E
The Act Issue no. 45
33
J o s ep h i n e C h e o n g
M a n a g e r , H u m a n Re s o u r c e s , C o r p o r a t e D i v i s i o n
UMW E Q UI P M E NT AND E NGIN E E RING P T E . LTD .
In a borderless labour m a r k e t , e m p l o y e r s a r e a b l e t o a tt r a c t g l o b a l t a l e n t t o w o r k i n S i n ga p o r e .
During a job intervie w a n e m p l o y e r c a n d e c i d e, w i t h o r w i t h o u t g i v i n g a r e a s o n , t h a t a n
applicant is “not suit a b l e f o r e m p l o y m e n t ”.
In the cour se of empl o y m e n t , a m a n a g e r c a n d e c i d e , w i t h o r w i t h o u t g i v i n g a r e a s o n , n o t t o
continue employing a w o r k e r b y s e r v i n g n o t i c e o r g i v i n g p a y i n l i e u o f n o t i c e t o t e r m i n a t e a
contract of service in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e t e r m s of t h e c o n t r a c t . Se c t i o n 10 o f t h e E m p l o y m e n t
Act must be complied w i t h i n r e s p e c t o f e m p l o y e e s s u b j e c t t o t h e A c t .
Most employer s are f a m i l i a r w i t h t h e s e t w o s c e n a r i o s . T h e y r e f l e c t t h e h a r s h r e a l i t y f a c e d b y
work er s in the world o f e m p l o y m e n t .
So mewher e
If we want to turn the t i d e o f r e j e c t i o n i n t o a n
opportunity, a mana g e r c a n d e c i d e t h a t t h e
work er has the compe t e n c y t o d o a j o b a s l o n g
as the per son is certi f i e d b y a M e d i c a l O ff i c e r
to be fit for employm e n t , w i t h o r w i t h o u t a
pre-existing conditio n . So m e w h e r e , s u ch a n
organisation believe s i n f a i r e m p l o y m e n t
practices.
A Bantu man, who d i e d o f a n u n i d e n t i f i e d
illness in the Belgian C o n g o i n 19 5 9 b e c a m e
the fir st confirmed c a s e o f a n H I V i n f e c t i o n .
Since then the battle f a c e d b y p e r s o n s l i v i n g
with HIV/AIDS (PLW H A s ) i n t h e i r f a m i l i e s ,
workplaces and socia l c i r c l e s s e e m t o e ch o a
1957 musical by comp o s e r Le o n a r d B e r n s t e i n
– The West Side Sto r y. T h e s t o r y e x p l o r e s
the ri valry between t h e Je t s a n d t h e S h a r k s ,
two teenage street ga n g s o f d i ff e r e n t e t h n i c
back grounds fighting a n d k i l l i n g e a ch o t h e r.
Misery occupied the l i v e s o f t h e p e o p l e u n t i l
an act of forgi veness o ff e r e d t h e p o s s i b i l i t y
of reconciliation and p e a c e b e t w e e n t h e t w o
warring gangs.
U MW in Singap ore
UMW Equipment & E n g i n e e r i n g P t e L t d
(UEEPL), a member o f t h e U M W G r o u p ,
is a Singapore-reg i s t e r e d c o m p a ny w i t h
a workforce of abo u t 19 0 s i t u a t e d i n t h e
West of Singapore. I t h a s b e e n a n e x c l u s i v e
authorised distribut o r f o r m a ny r e p u t a b l e
brands of industrial a n d h e a v y e q u i p m e n t
since the 1960s. U E E P L i s a n e m e r g i n g
company in the Singa p o r e 10 0 0 L i s t , 2 013 .
UM W s t a rt e d i n 19 17 a s a h u m b l e a u t o m o t i v e
s p a r e p a rt s s h o p i n O r ch a r d Ro a d , w i t h
earnings of probably 20 Straits Dollars a
m o n t h . B y 2 012 , t h e U M W G r o u p h a d r e v e n u e s
o f R M 15 . 9 b i l l i o n , o p e r a t i n g i n 14 c o u n t r i e s
w i t h a g l o b a l w o r k f o r c e o f m o r e t h a n 10 , 0 0 0
of various nationalities. Employees young
a n d o l d e n j o y w o r k i n g a n d p l a y i n g i n U M W.
W o r kplace H ealth P r o mo t i o n a n d
Safety f o r S ustai n able G r o wth
T h e h e a l t h c a r e j o u r n e y i n U E E P L s t a rt e d
i n t h e 19 7 0 s a n d t h e l a n d s c a p e ch a n g e d a s
w e s h a p e d o u r s e l v e s a c c o r d i n g t o ch a n g e d
l a w s a n d t h e a g e i n g w o r k f o r c e . We c o u l d n o t
turn a deaf ear to an emerging disease in
S i n ga p o r e t h a t a ff e c t s t h e w o r k i n g p o p u l a t i o n
– HIV/AIDS. It is essential that employees
s t a y h e a l t hy t o r u n f a s t e r, w o r k s m a rt e r a n d
remain employable beyond 62 years old.
Wo r k p l a c e h e a l t h p r o m o t i o n a n d s a f e t y a r e
i m p o rt a n t a p p r o a ch e s i f w e a r e t o b e a n
o r ga n i s a t i o n f o r p e o p l e . We n e e d t o :
• C h a m p i o n e m p l o y e e s t o d e l i v e r t h e
business promise and corporate brand
values.
• H e l p e m p l o y e e s t o ch a n g e m i n d - s e t s a n d
u n h e a l t hy l i f e s t y l e s .
• B e l i e v e a h e a l t hy e m p l o y e e i s a s a f e a n d
p r o d u c t i v e w o r k e r.
• Re c o g n i s e t h a t t h e r e i s a g r o w i n g n e e d t o
manage health care costs as employees
enjoy longer lives.
D evel oping a Supportive
Work place Env ironment
On 20 April 20 06, HPB launched a programme
to support the promotion, education and
control of STIs/HIV/AIDS. Our Workplace
Health Promoter s and I saw a need to act
after the HPB seminar on HIV/AIDS. We
realised that competency based employment
practices require us to educate our employees
on HIV infection and AIDS. We felt there was
a social responsibility to help change social
attitudes surrounding the disease and to
provide correct information to our employees
concerning the disease.
A ct responsibly.
Committing to one person .
Thriving on a healthy lifestyle .
Our workplace HIV/AIDS education programme is made up of the following:
• Communicating fair employment guidelines
to empower manager s and employees
with ways to manage HIV infection in the
workplace. The guidelines issued by SNEF
were used to ensure that we are compliant
with relevant laws and to harmonise with
our employment contracts.
• Explaining exclusions in the employment
medical benefit insurances.
• Providing
information
on
financial
assistance
for
HIV/AIDS
treatments
through Medisave and Medifund, subject
to eligibility.
• Using HIV/AIDS education resources from
HPB regularly to educate employees on
the effecti ve ways to prevent HIV infection.
WIDE
(Workplace
Infectious
Diseases
Education) comprising HIV, tuberculosis
and influenza is the latest education
programme launched by HPB on 25 March
2013.
• Providing information on HIV testing,
support and care centres in Singapore.
A ch iev ing Br eakthroug h with
H IV E d ucat ion
HIV education is crucial to achieving a
breakthrough in changing social attitudes,
helping employees li ve a healthy lifestyle
and providing employees with safe work
procedures for management of work er injury.
With education and openness, our employees
have learned and appreciate the importance
of being faithful to one per son and avoiding
casual sex. We have also encouraged atrisk per sons to go for early diagnosis and
lifestyle changes.
Providing HIV/AIDS education helps to reduce
the stigma and discrimination surrounding
the disease. We hope that it can help per sons
li ving with HIV to remain economically
acti ve. With gainful employment, a patient
can pay for treatments from his/her Medisave
account and if there is no more cash in the
pock et, an eligible per son can apply for
Medifund assistance. The life expectancy of
a HIV infected per son is now longer because
of improved medical treatments.
PRO V IDING A SUPPORTI V E
E N V IRON M E NT i N TH E WORKPLAC E
The Act Issue no. 45
33
J o s ep h i n e C h e o n g
M a n a g e r , H u m a n Re s o u r c e s , C o r p o r a t e D i v i s i o n
UMW E Q UI P M E NT AND E NGIN E E RING P T E . LTD .
In a borderless labour m a r k e t , e m p l o y e r s a r e a b l e t o a tt r a c t g l o b a l t a l e n t t o w o r k i n S i n ga p o r e .
During a job intervie w a n e m p l o y e r c a n d e c i d e, w i t h o r w i t h o u t g i v i n g a r e a s o n , t h a t a n
applicant is “not suit a b l e f o r e m p l o y m e n t ”.
In the cour se of empl o y m e n t , a m a n a g e r c a n d e c i d e , w i t h o r w i t h o u t g i v i n g a r e a s o n , n o t t o
continue employing a w o r k e r b y s e r v i n g n o t i c e o r g i v i n g p a y i n l i e u o f n o t i c e t o t e r m i n a t e a
contract of service in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e t e r m s of t h e c o n t r a c t . Se c t i o n 10 o f t h e E m p l o y m e n t
Act must be complied w i t h i n r e s p e c t o f e m p l o y e e s s u b j e c t t o t h e A c t .
Most employer s are f a m i l i a r w i t h t h e s e t w o s c e n a r i o s . T h e y r e f l e c t t h e h a r s h r e a l i t y f a c e d b y
work er s in the world o f e m p l o y m e n t .
So mewher e
If we want to turn the t i d e o f r e j e c t i o n i n t o a n
opportunity, a mana g e r c a n d e c i d e t h a t t h e
work er has the compe t e n c y t o d o a j o b a s l o n g
as the per son is certi f i e d b y a M e d i c a l O ff i c e r
to be fit for employm e n t , w i t h o r w i t h o u t a
pre-existing conditio n . So m e w h e r e , s u ch a n
organisation believe s i n f a i r e m p l o y m e n t
practices.
A Bantu man, who d i e d o f a n u n i d e n t i f i e d
illness in the Belgian C o n g o i n 19 5 9 b e c a m e
the fir st confirmed c a s e o f a n H I V i n f e c t i o n .
Since then the battle f a c e d b y p e r s o n s l i v i n g
with HIV/AIDS (PLW H A s ) i n t h e i r f a m i l i e s ,
workplaces and socia l c i r c l e s s e e m t o e ch o a
1957 musical by comp o s e r Le o n a r d B e r n s t e i n
– The West Side Sto r y. T h e s t o r y e x p l o r e s
the ri valry between t h e Je t s a n d t h e S h a r k s ,
two teenage street ga n g s o f d i ff e r e n t e t h n i c
back grounds fighting a n d k i l l i n g e a ch o t h e r.
Misery occupied the l i v e s o f t h e p e o p l e u n t i l
an act of forgi veness o ff e r e d t h e p o s s i b i l i t y
of reconciliation and p e a c e b e t w e e n t h e t w o
warring gangs.
U MW in Singap ore
UMW Equipment & E n g i n e e r i n g P t e L t d
(UEEPL), a member o f t h e U M W G r o u p ,
is a Singapore-reg i s t e r e d c o m p a ny w i t h
a workforce of abo u t 19 0 s i t u a t e d i n t h e
West of Singapore. I t h a s b e e n a n e x c l u s i v e
authorised distribut o r f o r m a ny r e p u t a b l e
brands of industrial a n d h e a v y e q u i p m e n t
since the 1960s. U E E P L i s a n e m e r g i n g
company in the Singa p o r e 10 0 0 L i s t , 2 013 .
UM W s t a rt e d i n 19 17 a s a h u m b l e a u t o m o t i v e
s p a r e p a rt s s h o p i n O r ch a r d Ro a d , w i t h
earnings of probably 20 Straits Dollars a
m o n t h . B y 2 012 , t h e U M W G r o u p h a d r e v e n u e s
o f R M 15 . 9 b i l l i o n , o p e r a t i n g i n 14 c o u n t r i e s
w i t h a g l o b a l w o r k f o r c e o f m o r e t h a n 10 , 0 0 0
of various nationalities. Employees young
a n d o l d e n j o y w o r k i n g a n d p l a y i n g i n U M W.
W o r kplace H ealth P r o mo t i o n a n d
Safety f o r S ustai n able G r o wth
T h e h e a l t h c a r e j o u r n e y i n U E E P L s t a rt e d
i n t h e 19 7 0 s a n d t h e l a n d s c a p e ch a n g e d a s
w e s h a p e d o u r s e l v e s a c c o r d i n g t o ch a n g e d
l a w s a n d t h e a g e i n g w o r k f o r c e . We c o u l d n o t
turn a deaf ear to an emerging disease in
S i n ga p o r e t h a t a ff e c t s t h e w o r k i n g p o p u l a t i o n
– HIV/AIDS. It is essential that employees
s t a y h e a l t hy t o r u n f a s t e r, w o r k s m a rt e r a n d
remain employable beyond 62 years old.
Wo r k p l a c e h e a l t h p r o m o t i o n a n d s a f e t y a r e
i m p o rt a n t a p p r o a ch e s i f w e a r e t o b e a n
o r ga n i s a t i o n f o r p e o p l e . We n e e d t o :
• C h a m p i o n e m p l o y e e s t o d e l i v e r t h e
business promise and corporate brand
values.
• H e l p e m p l o y e e s t o ch a n g e m i n d - s e t s a n d
u n h e a l t hy l i f e s t y l e s .
• B e l i e v e a h e a l t hy e m p l o y e e i s a s a f e a n d
p r o d u c t i v e w o r k e r.
• Re c o g n i s e t h a t t h e r e i s a g r o w i n g n e e d t o
manage health care costs as employees
enjoy longer lives.
D evel oping a Supportive
Work place Env ironment
On 20 April 20 06, HPB launched a programme
to support the promotion, education and
control of STIs/HIV/AIDS. Our Workplace
Health Promoter s and I saw a need to act
after the HPB seminar on HIV/AIDS. We
realised that competency based employment
practices require us to educate our employees
on HIV infection and AIDS. We felt there was
a social responsibility to help change social
attitudes surrounding the disease and to
provide correct information to our employees
concerning the disease.
A ct responsibly.
Committing to one person .
Thriving on a healthy lifestyle .
Our workplace HIV/AIDS education programme is made up of the following:
• Communicating fair employment guidelines
to empower manager s and employees
with ways to manage HIV infection in the
workplace. The guidelines issued by SNEF
were used to ensure that we are compliant
with relevant laws and to harmonise with
our employment contracts.
• Explaining exclusions in the employment
medical benefit insurances.
• Providing
information
on
financial
assistance
for
HIV/AIDS
treatments
through Medisave and Medifund, subject
to eligibility.
• Using HIV/AIDS education resources from
HPB regularly to educate employees on
the effecti ve ways to prevent HIV infection.
WIDE
(Workplace
Infectious
Diseases
Education) comprising HIV, tuberculosis
and influenza is the latest education
programme launched by HPB on 25 March
2013.
• Providing information on HIV testing,
support and care centres in Singapore.
A ch iev ing Br eakthroug h with
H IV E d ucat ion
HIV education is crucial to achieving a
breakthrough in changing social attitudes,
helping employees li ve a healthy lifestyle
and providing employees with safe work
procedures for management of work er injury.
With education and openness, our employees
have learned and appreciate the importance
of being faithful to one per son and avoiding
casual sex. We have also encouraged atrisk per sons to go for early diagnosis and
lifestyle changes.
Providing HIV/AIDS education helps to reduce
the stigma and discrimination surrounding
the disease. We hope that it can help per sons
li ving with HIV to remain economically
acti ve. With gainful employment, a patient
can pay for treatments from his/her Medisave
account and if there is no more cash in the
pock et, an eligible per son can apply for
Medifund assistance. The life expectancy of
a HIV infected per son is now longer because
of improved medical treatments.
PRO J E CTS & PROGRA M M E S
Formed in 1988, Action for AIDS (Singapore) is a non-governmental organisation and a
registered charity. Acti vities are planned implemented and coordinated by dedicated staff
and volunteer s. AfA is funded through the generous donations of pri vate organisations,
indi viduals and the government. Here are some of our main acti vities.
Wi th a Di ffe rent Eye
How
often
have
o r ga n i s a t i o n s
appreciated
employees li ving wi t h c a n c e r, d i a b e t e s , o b e s i t y
and ca rdiovascular d i s e a s e s a s i m p o rt a n t a s s e t s ?
What is it that mak e s p e r s o n s l i v i n g w i t h H IV
unmentionable?
Moving forward, is th e r e m o r e t h a t a n o r ga n i s a t i o n
can do? If we are a n o r ga n i s a t i o n c o m m i tt e d
to Kaizen (continuo u s i m p r ov e m e n t ) a n d f a i r
employment practice s , w e h a v e a r o l e t o p l a y i n
helping employees i d e n t i f y w h a t v a l u e s , b e l i e f s ,
thoughts and feelings ( p e r c e p t u a l f i l t e r s ) n e e d r e d
tagging (to remove) t o ch a n g e m i n d s e t s . O u r b l u n t
thoughts and words c a n b e s h a r p e r t h a n a s w o r d.
People leave legacie s i n t h e w o r l d f o r p o s t e r i t y.
What footprints do w e wa n t t o l e a v e i n t h e s a n d ?
Would developing a s u p p o rt i v e e nv i r o n m e n t a t t h e
workplace for per son s l i v i n g w i t h H I V t o w o r k a n d
to enjoy longer li ves b e o u r s t o a c t o n ?
E d u c a t i o n a l P r o g r a mme s
The ACT
Men who have Sex w ith Men O ut reach Progr amme
T h i s p u b l i c a t i o n h a s a rt i c l e s a d d r e s s i n g t h e m e d i c a l , s o c i a l , c u l -
U s i n g a t a i l o r e d a p p r o a ch t o s u i t t h e d i v e r s e n e e d s o f o u r a u d i-
t u r a l , l e ga l a n d p e r s o n a l d i m e n s i o n s o f H I V i n f e c t i o n . I t a l s o
e n c e , t h e M S M p r o g r a m m e c o n d u c t s o u t r e a ch a t b o t h r e a l a n d
r e v i e w s a n d u p d a t e s A f A’s a c t i v i t i e s . I t i s d i s t r i b u t e d f r e e t o
v i rt u a l M S M v e n u e s . We w o r k t o wa r d s g r o w i n g t h e c a p a c i t y o f
m e m b e r s , vo l u n t e e r s a s w e l l a s s ch o o l s , l i b r a r i e s , c o m m u n i t y o r-
o u r s t a k e h o l d e r s a n d c o m m u n i t y p a rt n e r s t o h e l p c o n d u c t i n n o -
ga n i s a t i o n s , m e d i c a l a n d d e n t a l c l i n i c s , a n d h o s p i t a l s .
vative campaigns, events and workshops.
E d i t o r - i n - ch i ef
Roy Chan | info@afa.org.sg
The programme also serves as a constant reminder to the MSM
community that HIV/AIDS continues to be a real issue that cannot
www.afa.org.sg
be ignored.
The website contains information on HIV/AIDS, AfA activities, the
C o o r d i n at o r s
latest HIV/AIDS statistics, a Q&A page, and links to other HIV/
J o e Wo n g | j o e . w o n g @ a f a . o r g . s g
AIDS web pages – both local and foreign. Do visit the website
for information on our activities or for updates on HIV/AIDS in
Tra ns ge nde r Outreach
S i n ga p o r e a n d t h e r e g i o n .
T h e T G p r o g r a m m e p r ov i d e s t h i s u n d e r- s e r v e d c o m m u n i t y i n
W eb M aste r
S i n ga p o r e w i t h c r u c i a l h e a l t h c a r e i n f o r m a t i o n . We a l s o a i m t o
Avin Tan | avin.tan@afa.org.sg
b u i l d c o n f i d e n c e a n d i m p r ov e s e l f - e s t e e m t h r o u g h e d u c a t i o n a l
talks and life skills workshops to empower transgender individuals
H IV E du cat ion in the Work place
t o t a k e ch a r g e o f t h e i r s e x u a l h e a l t h a n d m a k e h e a l t hy l i f e s t y l e
HEW collaborates with companies and organisations interested
ch o i c e s ,
in providing educational talks by healthcare professionals and
C o o r d i n at o r
trained educator s for their employees. HEW aims to increase HIV
J o e Wo n g | j o e . w o n g @ a f a . o r g . s g
awareness and knowledge in the workplace, and reduce the stigma
C o o r d i n at o r
AMP UH (An a k Melay u Islam M elawan P e nyakit
Unik H IV/A IDS)
P e t e r C o n n e l l | peter.connell@afa.org.sg
T h e A M P U H p r o g r a m m e a i m s t o t a ck l e t h e r i s i n g n u m b e r s o f
and discrimination faced by PLHIV.
M a l a y s / M u s l i m s w h o a r e i n f e c t e d w i t h H I V o r a r e s u ff e r i n g f r o m
Act responsibly.
Committing to one person.
Thriving on a healthy lifestyle.
Hig h Risk H etero se xu al M en
Outreach Progr amme
A I D S . I t s t r i v e s t o r a i s e a wa r e n e s s o f H I V p r e v e n t i o n w i t h i n
T h e H M O Pr o g r a m m e r e a ch e s o u t t o h e t e r o s e x u a l m a l e s w h o
t h r o u g h c o l l a b o r a t i o n o n t h e gr o u n d w i t h c o m m u n i t y b a s e d o r-
e n ga g e i n h i g h r i s k s e x u a l p r a c t i c e s i n o r d e r t o i n c r e a s e t h e i r
ga n i s a t i o n s .
H I V k n o w l e d g e . T h i s w i l l a l l o w f o r b e tt e r s e l f - r i s k a s s e s s m e n t , i n-
C o o r d i n at o r
c r e a s e d c o n d o m u s e a n d e n c o u r a g e m o r e vo l u n t a r y t e s t i n g . T h i s
A n w a r H a s h i m | a nwa r @ a f a . o r g . s g
is done by conducting edutainment shows, regular con-dom and
collateral distribution to our target audience at venues that they
frequent.
C o o r d i n at o r
Te r r y L i m | t e rr y. l i m @ a f a . o r g . s g
t h i s c o m m u n i t y a n d e n c o u r a g e a c t i v e c o m m u n i t y p a rt i c i p a t i o n
PRO J E CTS & PROGRA M M E S
Formed in 1988, Action for AIDS (Singapore) is a non-governmental organisation and a
registered charity. Acti vities are planned implemented and coordinated by dedicated staff
and volunteer s. AfA is funded through the generous donations of pri vate organisations,
indi viduals and the government. Here are some of our main acti vities.
Wi th a Di ffe rent Eye
How
often
have
o r ga n i s a t i o n s
appreciated
employees li ving wi t h c a n c e r, d i a b e t e s , o b e s i t y
and ca rdiovascular d i s e a s e s a s i m p o rt a n t a s s e t s ?
What is it that mak e s p e r s o n s l i v i n g w i t h H IV
unmentionable?
Moving forward, is th e r e m o r e t h a t a n o r ga n i s a t i o n
can do? If we are a n o r ga n i s a t i o n c o m m i tt e d
to Kaizen (continuo u s i m p r ov e m e n t ) a n d f a i r
employment practice s , w e h a v e a r o l e t o p l a y i n
helping employees i d e n t i f y w h a t v a l u e s , b e l i e f s ,
thoughts and feelings ( p e r c e p t u a l f i l t e r s ) n e e d r e d
tagging (to remove) t o ch a n g e m i n d s e t s . O u r b l u n t
thoughts and words c a n b e s h a r p e r t h a n a s w o r d.
People leave legacie s i n t h e w o r l d f o r p o s t e r i t y.
What footprints do w e wa n t t o l e a v e i n t h e s a n d ?
Would developing a s u p p o rt i v e e nv i r o n m e n t a t t h e
workplace for per son s l i v i n g w i t h H I V t o w o r k a n d
to enjoy longer li ves b e o u r s t o a c t o n ?
E d u c a t i o n a l P r o g r a mme s
The ACT
Men who have Sex w ith Men O ut reach Progr amme
T h i s p u b l i c a t i o n h a s a rt i c l e s a d d r e s s i n g t h e m e d i c a l , s o c i a l , c u l -
U s i n g a t a i l o r e d a p p r o a ch t o s u i t t h e d i v e r s e n e e d s o f o u r a u d i-
t u r a l , l e ga l a n d p e r s o n a l d i m e n s i o n s o f H I V i n f e c t i o n . I t a l s o
e n c e , t h e M S M p r o g r a m m e c o n d u c t s o u t r e a ch a t b o t h r e a l a n d
r e v i e w s a n d u p d a t e s A f A’s a c t i v i t i e s . I t i s d i s t r i b u t e d f r e e t o
v i rt u a l M S M v e n u e s . We w o r k t o wa r d s g r o w i n g t h e c a p a c i t y o f
m e m b e r s , vo l u n t e e r s a s w e l l a s s ch o o l s , l i b r a r i e s , c o m m u n i t y o r-
o u r s t a k e h o l d e r s a n d c o m m u n i t y p a rt n e r s t o h e l p c o n d u c t i n n o -
ga n i s a t i o n s , m e d i c a l a n d d e n t a l c l i n i c s , a n d h o s p i t a l s .
vative campaigns, events and workshops.
E d i t o r - i n - ch i ef
Roy Chan | info@afa.org.sg
The programme also serves as a constant reminder to the MSM
community that HIV/AIDS continues to be a real issue that cannot
www.afa.org.sg
be ignored.
The website contains information on HIV/AIDS, AfA activities, the
C o o r d i n at o r s
latest HIV/AIDS statistics, a Q&A page, and links to other HIV/
J o e Wo n g | j o e . w o n g @ a f a . o r g . s g
AIDS web pages – both local and foreign. Do visit the website
for information on our activities or for updates on HIV/AIDS in
Tra ns ge nde r Outreach
S i n ga p o r e a n d t h e r e g i o n .
T h e T G p r o g r a m m e p r ov i d e s t h i s u n d e r- s e r v e d c o m m u n i t y i n
W eb M aste r
S i n ga p o r e w i t h c r u c i a l h e a l t h c a r e i n f o r m a t i o n . We a l s o a i m t o
Avin Tan | avin.tan@afa.org.sg
b u i l d c o n f i d e n c e a n d i m p r ov e s e l f - e s t e e m t h r o u g h e d u c a t i o n a l
talks and life skills workshops to empower transgender individuals
H IV E du cat ion in the Work place
t o t a k e ch a r g e o f t h e i r s e x u a l h e a l t h a n d m a k e h e a l t hy l i f e s t y l e
HEW collaborates with companies and organisations interested
ch o i c e s ,
in providing educational talks by healthcare professionals and
C o o r d i n at o r
trained educator s for their employees. HEW aims to increase HIV
J o e Wo n g | j o e . w o n g @ a f a . o r g . s g
awareness and knowledge in the workplace, and reduce the stigma
C o o r d i n at o r
AMP UH (An a k Melay u Islam M elawan P e nyakit
Unik H IV/A IDS)
P e t e r C o n n e l l | peter.connell@afa.org.sg
T h e A M P U H p r o g r a m m e a i m s t o t a ck l e t h e r i s i n g n u m b e r s o f
and discrimination faced by PLHIV.
M a l a y s / M u s l i m s w h o a r e i n f e c t e d w i t h H I V o r a r e s u ff e r i n g f r o m
Act responsibly.
Committing to one person.
Thriving on a healthy lifestyle.
Hig h Risk H etero se xu al M en
Outreach Progr amme
A I D S . I t s t r i v e s t o r a i s e a wa r e n e s s o f H I V p r e v e n t i o n w i t h i n
T h e H M O Pr o g r a m m e r e a ch e s o u t t o h e t e r o s e x u a l m a l e s w h o
t h r o u g h c o l l a b o r a t i o n o n t h e gr o u n d w i t h c o m m u n i t y b a s e d o r-
e n ga g e i n h i g h r i s k s e x u a l p r a c t i c e s i n o r d e r t o i n c r e a s e t h e i r
ga n i s a t i o n s .
H I V k n o w l e d g e . T h i s w i l l a l l o w f o r b e tt e r s e l f - r i s k a s s e s s m e n t , i n-
C o o r d i n at o r
c r e a s e d c o n d o m u s e a n d e n c o u r a g e m o r e vo l u n t a r y t e s t i n g . T h i s
A n w a r H a s h i m | a nwa r @ a f a . o r g . s g
is done by conducting edutainment shows, regular con-dom and
collateral distribution to our target audience at venues that they
frequent.
C o o r d i n at o r
Te r r y L i m | t e rr y. l i m @ a f a . o r g . s g
t h i s c o m m u n i t y a n d e n c o u r a g e a c t i v e c o m m u n i t y p a rt i c i p a t i o n
The Act Issue no. 45
37
C l i n i c a l Se r v i c e s
S u p p o r t AND We l f a r e P r o g r a mme s
Init ial Treatment S ubsi dy Scheme
P o s i t i ve L i v i n g Ce n te r
information for its members. Through dialogue and discussion,
L egal A ssista nce
Pa t i e n t s t e s t e d H I V p o s iti ve at AfA’s Anonymous Test Site will re -
The Positi ve Li ving Centre is a vibrant, safe space f o r Pe r s o n s
i t h o p e s t o e m p o w e r i t s m e m b e r s t o l e a d h e a l t hy p o s i t i v e l i v e s .
We p r ov i d e f r e e l e ga l a d v i c e a n d a s s i s t a n c e t o P L H I V s a n d t h e i r
c e i v e u p t o $ 2 0 0 o ff t h eir fir st treatment bill from Tan Tock Seng
li-ving with HIV (PLHIV) to congregate, be relaxed w i t h o u t b e-
C o o r d i n at o r
families on how to deal with dif-ficult employers and workplace
H o s p i t al – C D C . T h i s s cheme is only applicable to Singaporeans
ing judged, and to learn to li ve positi ve li ves. The c e n t r e h o p e s
No r a n i | n o r a n i @ a f a . o r g . s g
i s s u e s , d r a w u p w i l l s , a n d a l s o a d v i s e o n i s s u e s r e l a t e d t o t h e A d-
a n d Pe r m a n e n t r e s i d e n ts.
to achieve this by providing information, training a n d c o u n s e l-
c o o r d i n at o r
ling, and organising support group acti vities and empowerment
A fA Pri s on Outreach Progr amme
i nv e s t i ga t e i n s p e c i f i c i n s t a n c e s w h e r e d i s c r i m i n a t i o n a ga i n s t P L-
P e t e r C o n n e l l | p e t e r. c o nnell@afa.org.sg
workshops. It serves as a haven for PLHIVs to r e c e i v e b o t h
The Prison Outreach Programme educates prison staff and inmates
H I V s h a s o c c u rr e d .
emotional and physical support. The ultimate aim is t o e n h a n c e
on HIV and provides support to HIV+ inmates. HIV talks are
C o o r d i n at o r
the health and well-being of HIV positi ve people.
conducted periodically to help prison staff better manage well-
T h o m a s Ng | i n f o @ a f a . o r g . s g
C o o r d i n at o r s
being of the inmates. The talks also aim to reduce the stigma and
The hotline provides information and counselling services on all as-
Norani Othman | norani@afa.org.sg
discrimination against HIV+ inmates. Education and psychosocial
The Ca ndlel ight Mem orial
pects of AIDS.
Thomas Ang | thomas.ang@afa.org.sg
coun-selling support are provided to inculcate positi ve attitudes
This is an annual international event held to remember those who
and equip inmates with knowledge to allow them to adopt a
h a v e d i e d f r o m A I D S . T h e M e m o r i a l p r ov i d e s a n o p p o rt u n i t y t o
H I V / A I D S H o t l i n e – Te l : 62540212
O t h e r Se r v i c e s
v a n c e d M e d i c a l D i r e c t i v e . We h a v e a l s o b e e n a s k e d t o a s s i s t a n d
Mo b ile H IV Testing a n d C o u n selli n g Servi ce
Paddy C hew Pati e n t W elfa r e F u nd
positi ve lifestyle. The programme also assists inmates who are on
come to terms with death and AIDS. It has become a powerful
A f A a i m s t o m a k e a n o nymous HIV testing more accessible and
The Paddy Chew Patient Welfare Fund provides fina n c i a l s u b s i -
the home tagging programme with medication to ensure continual
s y m b o l o f t h e p r e s e n c e o f A I D S i n S i n ga p o r e , a n d a t i m e l y r e-
c o nv e n i e n t f o r m e m b e r s of the pu-blic by providing this service
dies to assist PLHIVs to offset their medical bills. Prio r i t y i s g i v e n
access to treatment.
minder for the community to renew its commitment to fight AIDS
o n w h e e l s . T h i s p r o j e c t aims to bring about HIV/AIDS awareness
to PLHIVs who are gi ving back to the community thro u g h s e v e r a l
C o o r d i n at o r
d i s c r i m i n a t i o n . T h e m e m o r i a l i s h e l d o n t h e l a s t S u n d a y i n M a y.
a n d t o e n c o u r a g e m o r e people to come forward for testing. Busi -
ways, e.g. voluntary service, media interviews, gi vi n g t a l k s a n d
No r a n i Ot h m a n | n o r a n i @ a f a . o r g . s g
C o o r d i n at o r
n e s s e s , o r ga n i s a t i o n s and hea-lth/lifestyle event companies in-
helping out with AfA projects.
Thomas Ang | thomas.ang@afa.org.sg
The Budd ies Progr amme
t e r e s t e d t o f i n d o u t m ore can get in touch with us via email at
T he C ar e f o r the Fami l i es F u nd
Vo l u n t e e r s i n t h e B u d d i e s Pr o - g r a m m e o ff e r e m o t i o n a l a n d p r a c -
Singap ore A IDS Con fere nce
Initiated to provide financial support to the families o f P L H I V s ,
t i c a l s u p p o rt t o H I V- p o s i t i v e p e o p l e a n d t h e i r l ov e d o n e s t h r o u g h
These biennial multisectorial con-ferences on AIDS were success-
Fo r o u r s ch e d u l e o r m o re info,
this fund can be accessed through recommendations f r o m s o c i a l
w e e k - l y wa r d v i s i t s . T h e y a l s o o ff e r t h e i r f r i e n d s h i p a n d c o m p a n-
f u l l y o r ga n i s e d s i n c e 19 9 8 . O v e r 6 0 0 d e l e ga t e s f r o m g ov e r n m e n t
v i s i t w w w. a f a . o r g . s g
wor-k er s. It assists families of PLHIVs whose finance s h a v e b e e n
i o n s h i p t o t h i s c o m m u n i t y.
a n d n o n g ov e r n m e n t a l o r ga n i s at i o n s , vo l u n t e e r s , t h e p r e s s , a n d
se-verely impacted by loss of income. This fund can b e u s e d t o
C o o r d i n at o r
b u s i n e s s e s a tt e n d e d t h e l a s t o ne i n 2 012 .
MTS Manager
cover short term family expenses lik e children’s schoo l a n d t r a n s-
A l a n Ta n | i n f o @ a f a . o r g . s g
C o o r d i n at o r
A n w a r H a s h i m | a nwa r @afa.org.sg
port fees, household expenditure, etc.
mts@afa.org.sg
Av i n Ta n | a v i n . t a n @ a f a . o r g . s g
Musl im+
M T S C o o r d i n at o r
H I V + P re g n a n t M othe r s ’ F u nd
T h i s P L H I V p e e r s u p p o rt g r o u p b r i n g s t o g e t h e r M a l a y / M u s l i m
Art Ag a inst A IDS
This fund is reserved for HIV+ women who are pregn a n t a n d r e -
p e r s o n s w i t h H I V i n a s a f e a n d e m o t i o n a l l y s u p p o rt i v e e nv i r o n-
S t a rt e d i n 19 9 6 , t h i s b i e n n i a l c o m - p e t i t i o n u s e s a rt a s a m e d i u m
Anonymous Counselli n g a n d Testi n g S erv i ce
quire anti-retroviral medication to prevent transmis s i o n t o t h e i r
ment to share their thoughts and experiences in coming to grips
t o h e l p r a i s e A I D S a wa r e n e s s a n d e n c o u r a g e c o m m u n i t y p a rt i c i-
A s a p i o n e e r i n p r ov i d ing anonymous HIV and syphillis testing
babies.
with the infection from an Islamic perspective.
pation in AIDS prevention.
s e r v i c e s , w e b e l i e v e i n creating an environment where indi vidu-
C o o r d i n at o r
C o o r d i n at o r
C o o r d i n at o r
a l s c a n g e t t e s t e d b a s ed on informed per sonal choice . This af -
Norani Othman | norani@afa.org.sg
Nooraini Abdul Rahim | info@afa.org.sg
Dawn Mok | info@afa.org.sg
L o k m a n M o h d a r | l o k m an@afa.org.sg
f o r d a b l e a n d a c c e s s i b l e service is deli vered by our empathic,
n o n - j u d g e m e n t a l a n d t rained volunteer s. These volunteer s offer
L i fe G o es O n ( L GO)
i n f o r m a t i o n a n d s u p p o rt to clients before and after their test,
LGO is a self-help PLHIV peer support group for h e t e r o s e x u a l
whatever the outcome.
men. Through LGO, PLHIV interests and rights are r e p r e s e n t e d
in AfA’s acti vities, at both planning and execution l e v e l s , w i t h
B l k 3 1 , # 01- 16 Ke l a n t a n Lane
confidentially preserved. They plan, coordinate and p e r f o r m h o s -
S i n ga p o r e 2 0 0 0 3 1
pital, home support and welfare acti vities, and also a s s i s t i n A f A
O p e r a t i n g H o u r s : 6 . 3 0 t o 8.15 pm on Tue & Wed, 1.30 to 3.15 pm
acti vities.
o n Sa t ( e x c e p t p u b l i c h olidays)
C o n tact
F emale F r i e n dly C l i n i c ( P r i o r i ty S e r v i ce f o r L ad i es )
E v e r y l a s t Tu e s d a y o f t h e month
-
| info@afa.org.sg
J OIN US AS A V OLUNT E E R !
C l u b Gen es i s ( CG )
CG is a self-help PLHIV peer support group for MSM . I t a l s o n e tworks with self-help groups regionally and shares exp e r i e n c e a n d
Clinic Manager
information that are mutually beneficial. CG, PLHIV i n t e r e s t s a n d
P e t e r C o n n e l l | p e t e r. c o nnell@afa.org.sg
rights are represented in AfA’s acti vities, at both p l a n n i n g a n d
execution le-vels, with confidentially preserved. Me m b e r s p l a n ,
coordinate and perform hospital, home support and w e l f a r e a cti vities, and also assist in AfA acti vities.
C o o r d i n at o r
Aznan | info@afa.org.sg
We’d love to hear from you – tell us what projects or programmes you’re interested in, and tell us a little about
your self. Email us at: volunteer@afa.org.sg
U n i ty
Unity is a PLHIV peer support group aimed at bringing positi ve
women together in a safe and se-cure environment to share their
experiences, challenges, resources and knowledge. The group
aims to provide support, encouragement, camaraderie and helpful
Gi ve and support the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS! All donations are tax deductible, so please be sure to
include your full name and NRIC, FIN or RCB number. Donating is easy – just go to NVPC’s Donation Portal:
www.sggives.org/afa . You can also mak e a cheque out to ACTION FOR AIDS, SINGAPORE and mail it to:
35 Kelantan Lane #02-01,
Singapore 208652.
Call us at 62540212 for information.
The Act Issue no. 45
37
C l i n i c a l Se r v i c e s
S u p p o r t AND We l f a r e P r o g r a mme s
Init ial Treatment S ubsi dy Scheme
P o s i t i ve L i v i n g Ce n te r
information for its members. Through dialogue and discussion,
L egal A ssista nce
Pa t i e n t s t e s t e d H I V p o s iti ve at AfA’s Anonymous Test Site will re -
The Positi ve Li ving Centre is a vibrant, safe space f o r Pe r s o n s
i t h o p e s t o e m p o w e r i t s m e m b e r s t o l e a d h e a l t hy p o s i t i v e l i v e s .
We p r ov i d e f r e e l e ga l a d v i c e a n d a s s i s t a n c e t o P L H I V s a n d t h e i r
c e i v e u p t o $ 2 0 0 o ff t h eir fir st treatment bill from Tan Tock Seng
li-ving with HIV (PLHIV) to congregate, be relaxed w i t h o u t b e-
C o o r d i n at o r
families on how to deal with dif-ficult employers and workplace
H o s p i t al – C D C . T h i s s cheme is only applicable to Singaporeans
ing judged, and to learn to li ve positi ve li ves. The c e n t r e h o p e s
No r a n i | n o r a n i @ a f a . o r g . s g
i s s u e s , d r a w u p w i l l s , a n d a l s o a d v i s e o n i s s u e s r e l a t e d t o t h e A d-
a n d Pe r m a n e n t r e s i d e n ts.
to achieve this by providing information, training a n d c o u n s e l-
c o o r d i n at o r
ling, and organising support group acti vities and empowerment
A fA Pri s on Outreach Progr amme
i nv e s t i ga t e i n s p e c i f i c i n s t a n c e s w h e r e d i s c r i m i n a t i o n a ga i n s t P L-
P e t e r C o n n e l l | p e t e r. c o nnell@afa.org.sg
workshops. It serves as a haven for PLHIVs to r e c e i v e b o t h
The Prison Outreach Programme educates prison staff and inmates
H I V s h a s o c c u rr e d .
emotional and physical support. The ultimate aim is t o e n h a n c e
on HIV and provides support to HIV+ inmates. HIV talks are
C o o r d i n at o r
the health and well-being of HIV positi ve people.
conducted periodically to help prison staff better manage well-
T h o m a s Ng | i n f o @ a f a . o r g . s g
C o o r d i n at o r s
being of the inmates. The talks also aim to reduce the stigma and
The hotline provides information and counselling services on all as-
Norani Othman | norani@afa.org.sg
discrimination against HIV+ inmates. Education and psychosocial
The Ca ndlel ight Mem orial
pects of AIDS.
Thomas Ang | thomas.ang@afa.org.sg
coun-selling support are provided to inculcate positi ve attitudes
This is an annual international event held to remember those who
and equip inmates with knowledge to allow them to adopt a
h a v e d i e d f r o m A I D S . T h e M e m o r i a l p r ov i d e s a n o p p o rt u n i t y t o
H I V / A I D S H o t l i n e – Te l : 62540212
O t h e r Se r v i c e s
v a n c e d M e d i c a l D i r e c t i v e . We h a v e a l s o b e e n a s k e d t o a s s i s t a n d
Mo b ile H IV Testing a n d C o u n selli n g Servi ce
Paddy C hew Pati e n t W elfa r e F u nd
positi ve lifestyle. The programme also assists inmates who are on
come to terms with death and AIDS. It has become a powerful
A f A a i m s t o m a k e a n o nymous HIV testing more accessible and
The Paddy Chew Patient Welfare Fund provides fina n c i a l s u b s i -
the home tagging programme with medication to ensure continual
s y m b o l o f t h e p r e s e n c e o f A I D S i n S i n ga p o r e , a n d a t i m e l y r e-
c o nv e n i e n t f o r m e m b e r s of the pu-blic by providing this service
dies to assist PLHIVs to offset their medical bills. Prio r i t y i s g i v e n
access to treatment.
minder for the community to renew its commitment to fight AIDS
o n w h e e l s . T h i s p r o j e c t aims to bring about HIV/AIDS awareness
to PLHIVs who are gi ving back to the community thro u g h s e v e r a l
C o o r d i n at o r
d i s c r i m i n a t i o n . T h e m e m o r i a l i s h e l d o n t h e l a s t S u n d a y i n M a y.
a n d t o e n c o u r a g e m o r e people to come forward for testing. Busi -
ways, e.g. voluntary service, media interviews, gi vi n g t a l k s a n d
No r a n i Ot h m a n | n o r a n i @ a f a . o r g . s g
C o o r d i n at o r
n e s s e s , o r ga n i s a t i o n s and hea-lth/lifestyle event companies in-
helping out with AfA projects.
Thomas Ang | thomas.ang@afa.org.sg
The Budd ies Progr amme
t e r e s t e d t o f i n d o u t m ore can get in touch with us via email at
T he C ar e f o r the Fami l i es F u nd
Vo l u n t e e r s i n t h e B u d d i e s Pr o - g r a m m e o ff e r e m o t i o n a l a n d p r a c -
Singap ore A IDS Con fere nce
Initiated to provide financial support to the families o f P L H I V s ,
t i c a l s u p p o rt t o H I V- p o s i t i v e p e o p l e a n d t h e i r l ov e d o n e s t h r o u g h
These biennial multisectorial con-ferences on AIDS were success-
Fo r o u r s ch e d u l e o r m o re info,
this fund can be accessed through recommendations f r o m s o c i a l
w e e k - l y wa r d v i s i t s . T h e y a l s o o ff e r t h e i r f r i e n d s h i p a n d c o m p a n-
f u l l y o r ga n i s e d s i n c e 19 9 8 . O v e r 6 0 0 d e l e ga t e s f r o m g ov e r n m e n t
v i s i t w w w. a f a . o r g . s g
wor-k er s. It assists families of PLHIVs whose finance s h a v e b e e n
i o n s h i p t o t h i s c o m m u n i t y.
a n d n o n g ov e r n m e n t a l o r ga n i s at i o n s , vo l u n t e e r s , t h e p r e s s , a n d
se-verely impacted by loss of income. This fund can b e u s e d t o
C o o r d i n at o r
b u s i n e s s e s a tt e n d e d t h e l a s t o ne i n 2 012 .
MTS Manager
cover short term family expenses lik e children’s schoo l a n d t r a n s-
A l a n Ta n | i n f o @ a f a . o r g . s g
C o o r d i n at o r
A n w a r H a s h i m | a nwa r @afa.org.sg
port fees, household expenditure, etc.
mts@afa.org.sg
Av i n Ta n | a v i n . t a n @ a f a . o r g . s g
Musl im+
M T S C o o r d i n at o r
H I V + P re g n a n t M othe r s ’ F u nd
T h i s P L H I V p e e r s u p p o rt g r o u p b r i n g s t o g e t h e r M a l a y / M u s l i m
Art Ag a inst A IDS
This fund is reserved for HIV+ women who are pregn a n t a n d r e -
p e r s o n s w i t h H I V i n a s a f e a n d e m o t i o n a l l y s u p p o rt i v e e nv i r o n-
S t a rt e d i n 19 9 6 , t h i s b i e n n i a l c o m - p e t i t i o n u s e s a rt a s a m e d i u m
Anonymous Counselli n g a n d Testi n g S erv i ce
quire anti-retroviral medication to prevent transmis s i o n t o t h e i r
ment to share their thoughts and experiences in coming to grips
t o h e l p r a i s e A I D S a wa r e n e s s a n d e n c o u r a g e c o m m u n i t y p a rt i c i-
A s a p i o n e e r i n p r ov i d ing anonymous HIV and syphillis testing
babies.
with the infection from an Islamic perspective.
pation in AIDS prevention.
s e r v i c e s , w e b e l i e v e i n creating an environment where indi vidu-
C o o r d i n at o r
C o o r d i n at o r
C o o r d i n at o r
a l s c a n g e t t e s t e d b a s ed on informed per sonal choice . This af -
Norani Othman | norani@afa.org.sg
Nooraini Abdul Rahim | info@afa.org.sg
Dawn Mok | info@afa.org.sg
L o k m a n M o h d a r | l o k m an@afa.org.sg
f o r d a b l e a n d a c c e s s i b l e service is deli vered by our empathic,
n o n - j u d g e m e n t a l a n d t rained volunteer s. These volunteer s offer
L i fe G o es O n ( L GO)
i n f o r m a t i o n a n d s u p p o rt to clients before and after their test,
LGO is a self-help PLHIV peer support group for h e t e r o s e x u a l
whatever the outcome.
men. Through LGO, PLHIV interests and rights are r e p r e s e n t e d
in AfA’s acti vities, at both planning and execution l e v e l s , w i t h
B l k 3 1 , # 01- 16 Ke l a n t a n Lane
confidentially preserved. They plan, coordinate and p e r f o r m h o s -
S i n ga p o r e 2 0 0 0 3 1
pital, home support and welfare acti vities, and also a s s i s t i n A f A
O p e r a t i n g H o u r s : 6 . 3 0 t o 8.15 pm on Tue & Wed, 1.30 to 3.15 pm
acti vities.
o n Sa t ( e x c e p t p u b l i c h olidays)
C o n tact
F emale F r i e n dly C l i n i c ( P r i o r i ty S e r v i ce f o r L ad i es )
E v e r y l a s t Tu e s d a y o f t h e month
-
| info@afa.org.sg
J OIN US AS A V OLUNT E E R !
C l u b Gen es i s ( CG )
CG is a self-help PLHIV peer support group for MSM . I t a l s o n e tworks with self-help groups regionally and shares exp e r i e n c e a n d
Clinic Manager
information that are mutually beneficial. CG, PLHIV i n t e r e s t s a n d
P e t e r C o n n e l l | p e t e r. c o nnell@afa.org.sg
rights are represented in AfA’s acti vities, at both p l a n n i n g a n d
execution le-vels, with confidentially preserved. Me m b e r s p l a n ,
coordinate and perform hospital, home support and w e l f a r e a cti vities, and also assist in AfA acti vities.
C o o r d i n at o r
Aznan | info@afa.org.sg
We’d love to hear from you – tell us what projects or programmes you’re interested in, and tell us a little about
your self. Email us at: volunteer@afa.org.sg
U n i ty
Unity is a PLHIV peer support group aimed at bringing positi ve
women together in a safe and se-cure environment to share their
experiences, challenges, resources and knowledge. The group
aims to provide support, encouragement, camaraderie and helpful
Gi ve and support the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS! All donations are tax deductible, so please be sure to
include your full name and NRIC, FIN or RCB number. Donating is easy – just go to NVPC’s Donation Portal:
www.sggives.org/afa . You can also mak e a cheque out to ACTION FOR AIDS, SINGAPORE and mail it to:
35 Kelantan Lane #02-01,
Singapore 208652.
Call us at 62540212 for information.
Re d R i b b o n A w a r d s a t t h e L . O . V . E G a l a