What to do with the profits from the 6th ICAAP in Melbourne ?

[Guest guest]

It was interesting to read Mr. Dennis's politically correct rhetoric as part of

the build up towards 7th ICAAP. Ashok and Suzana prematurely died because they

did not receive the benefits of advances in HIV treatment. They were born in the

countries, which does not matter in the scheme of global AIDS industry.

Dear Adithya, as the Advisory committee member of 7th ICAAP, will you ask Mr.

Dennis about the details of the profits they have generated from 6th ICAAP?.

Request them to contribute part of the profit of 6th and 7th ICAAP to programs,

which would enhances access to care and treatment for PLWHAs in resource scare

settings?

____________________________________

It is with great pleasure and anticipation that I join with my colleagues in

Japan in welcoming you to the Seventh International Congress on AIDS in Asia and

the Pacific. Since the first small meeting in Canberra in 1990 the biennial

Congresses have become the most significant meeting point on HIV/AIDS for our

region, and play an increasingly important role in promoting solidarity and a

common purpose in the struggle against HIV/AIDS.

The Asia/Pacific region is immense, covering as it does half the world's

population and some fifty countries with a vast range of social, political,

economic and religious systems. AIDS has already become a major presence in some

parts of our region, and in the next decade it threatens to escalate to an

alarming extent. Coming together at ICAAP is one small but tangible way in which

we can help contribute to policies which will both slow the spread of the

epidemic and mitigate the impact on those already infected.

The AIDS Society of Asia and the Pacific is proud to be a co-sponsor of ICAAP,

and we are conscious of the many groups and institutions for whom ICAAP is a

significant event. Through the Congresses we promote an exchange of ideas,

knowledge and experience which bring together People Living with HIV/AIDS,

scientific researchers, community activists, health professionals, governments

and international agencies, united in their search for more effective strategies

and increased political commitment.

Since we last met in October 2001 in Melbourne several of our colleagues have

died from AIDS, including Suzana Murni who spoke at the opening ceremony of 6th

ICAAP, despite a severe illness. Our working together for the success of 7th

ICAAP is one way of remembering people like Suzanna, Ashok and others who have

died from this epidemic.

Dennis Altman

President, AIDS Society of Asia and the Pacific

http://www.icaap7.jp/

-----------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Dear Jadhukar,

I shall surely ask this of Mr. Dennis Altman, not because of the fact that I

am a member of the IAC, but simply as a concerned individual. I am sure that

so can you ask him as a concerned individual. However before I do that I

would urge you to post on this list the basis of your assumption that there

was in fact any profit made out of the last ICAAP. I am not privcy to any

such information, and would not want to take up the issue unless I have

substantial enough proof to reasonably assure me of such profitable

possibilities.

Thank you and best regards

Aditya Bondyopadhyay

E-mail: <adit@...>