Cook Islands: Diversity Plan launched at AIDS Conference

Cook Islands Minister launches Diversity Plan at AIDS Conference

Cook Islands Health Minister Nandi Glassie launched the Pacific Sexual Diversity Network's new strategic plan in Bangkok today.

"This five year plan focuses the Network to speak out for equality, justice and achieving the Three Zeros to end HIV/AIDS in the Pacific," said Minister Glassie.

Speaking at the 11th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific, Minister Glassie said it was important that diverse voices across the Pacific were heard.

Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development deputy director John Hyde said the AFPPD brought champion Parliamentarians like Nandi Glassie to ICAAP so they could share their successes and learn from effective programmes on prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

"AFPPD encourages MPs to work closely with civil society groups in their regions," said Mr Hyde.

"Pacific Islanders of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity are doing important work through PSDN to help remove punitive laws and reduce stigma.

"It's excellent that Nandi Glassie and other MPs are listening and want to end the discrimination that prevents Pacific people from accessing treatment and testing."

ENDS

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