Mission

The Asia Pacific Coalition on Male Sexual Health is a regional coalition of MSM and transgender community-based organisations, government sector representatives, funding support agencies, and technical experts, advocating for political support and for increasing investment and coverage of HIV services for these communities, along with promoting the Principles of Good Practice adopted at the Risks and Responsibilities Asia Pacific International Consultation Meeting.

As an autonomous body, the Asia and the Pacific Coalition on Male Sexual Health in adherence to its guiding principles will also inform, collaborate with, Coordinate, and strengthen, sub-regional and national networks and advocacy initiatives supported under the umbrella of the Global Forum of MSM and HIV.

Long-term Goals

1. Increased investment from governments, donors and civil society groups and communities in appropriate research and interventions for HIV prevention, treatment, care and support for men who have sex with men and transgenders in the Asia Pacific region
2. Scaled up programmatic, geographic and comprehensive coverage of HIV prevention, treatment, care and support interventions for men who have sex with men and transgenders in the Asia Pacific region
3. Strengthened the evidence-base for advocacy, policy development, programming and the reducing societal, legal, and institutional obstacles for the above

Objectives

1. Conduct targeted advocacy with governments, donors, research agencies, civil society organizations and UN bodies for an improved HIV policy framework, increased investment, scaled up programs, reduced stigma and discrimination and the promotion of individual rights of MSM.
2. Convene and strengthen sub-regional and national networks and communities of MSM and their organizations, particularly those with fewer resources and within disproportionately adversely affected communities, as well as governments, researchers and donors to collaborate in initiating or expanding comprehensive responses to prevent and treat HIV and improve sexual health in Asia and the Pacific.
3. Identify, collect, produce and share strategic information, with community involvement as far as feasible, to support effective and efficient program design as well as targeted advocacy efforts at the sub-regional and country level, and monitor and evaluate the deliverables for their quality, coverage and effectiveness.
4. Identify and facilitate the provision of technical assistance to sub-regional and national networks, governments, and civil society, working to improve the sexual health and reduce the burden of HIV among MSM.
5. Nurture and support transgender groups and organisations, and involve them in all activities as equal partners. It shall be the endeavour of APCOM to help transgender groups form their own networks and coalitions to address their own issues and concerns.

Areas of Emphasis

The Coalition will devote itself to fostering, supporting and sharing information about:

• Country-level, sub-regional and regional action which raises awareness of MSM issues, and ensures that national, sub-regional and regional plans and strategies incorporate activities for MSM, guarantees MSM and transgender representatives having a voice at policy setting forums, and mobilises expertise and financial resources.
• Evidence-based research and policy development to address critical knowledge gaps and to develop more responsive programme and policy recommendations.
• Advocacy through the establishment of effective partnerships with civil society organisations, government bodies, HIV and AIDS organisations, academia and research organisations, and UN agencies.