KUALA LUMPUR: AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), a prominent global non-profit organization providing HIV/AIDS medical care, has called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to spearhead efforts to end AIDS as a public health challenge in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, AHF, which has served more than 400,000 clients across 10 APAC countries, expressed its readiness to lend its expertise in support of ASEAN’s ambitious objectives. Michael Weinstein, President of AHF, highlighted the significant impact that ASEAN’s leadership could have in the worldwide campaign against HIV/AIDS.

Weinstein stated, “By building partnerships with governments, civil society, and international agencies-and focusing on community-based approaches-ASEAN can demonstrate that ending AIDS as a public health threat is within reach.” He added that such progress would not only save lives but also reduce healthcare costs, enhance workforce productivity, and strengthen communities, setting a precedent for other regions.

Dr. Chhim Sarath, AHF Asia Bureau Chief, shared the organization’s pride in its collaborations with most ASEAN countries and their respective civil society organizations (CSOs). Dr. Sarath urged ASEAN and its member states to boost cooperation and establish effective frameworks to develop a ‘Road Map to End AIDS in the ASEAN Region,’ with active participation from CSOs like AHF.

AHF proposes utilizing platforms such as the ASEAN GO-NGOs Forum to foster collaboration, address inequalities, eliminate stigma and discrimination, and ensure access to HIV and other sexually transmitted infection prevention and treatment. The organization provides advanced medical care and advocacy to over two million people in 48 countries, spanning the United States, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific region, and Europe.