The Coalition of Asia Pacific Regional Networks on HIV/AIDS (the Seven Sisters) is a broad-based alliance bringing together seven regional networks:

• AIDS Society of Asia Pacific (ASAP),
• Asia Pacific Council of AIDS Service Organizations (APCASO),
• Asia Pacific Network of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender, Asia Pacific Rainbow (APR)
• Asia Pacific Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (APN+),
• Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW),
• Asian Harm Reduction Network (AHRN),
• Coordination of Action Research on AIDS and Mobility in Asia (CARAM-Asia).

The inter-network discussions were initiated during the 5th ICAAP in Kuala Lumpur in 1999. After 18 months of dialogue the Coalition was formalized in February 2001 at Kuala Lumpur. From February 2001 to January 2007 the Coalition was hosted by APCASO.  In February 2007, the Coalition established a Secretariat which is hosted by APN+ and is based in Bangkok, Thailand.

These networks have tremendous experience and expertise in initiating and implementing programmes dealing with affected communities and vulnerable populations such as drug users, sex workers, transgender communities, men who have sex with men (MSM), HIV+ people and mobile populations. The respective networks have built upon partnerships with the sectors mentioned, to ensure appropriate and effective responses at grassroots level. The experiences reflect that there are various cross-cutting issues and concerns where common and co-ordinated actions can be evolved for effecting change.

2009 will mark eight years into the existence of the Coalition and as the HIV epidemic continues to grow increasingly complex, the need is greater than ever for a collective body that can give voice to the HIV driven needs of the Asia Pacific’s most marginalized, vulnerable, affected communities and constituencies at national, regional and global levels. 

The Coalition possesses great potential with its ability to organize regionally beyond national borders and obstacles to interact and intersect with a diverse range of organizations to generate and share information on many issues.  The Coalition’s next stage of development is to demonstrate what can the Coalition do together that the individual network members cannot do alone.

The broad Aims and Objectives of the Coalition’s Secretariat and Membership for this stage include:

• Formalizing the relationship between the individual networks and the Secretariat
• Addressing the recommendations presented in the July 2008 Working Agreement
• Increasing staffing level of Secretariat

ICAAP9 Important dates

Regular Registration
Sunday, 1 March 2009 –
Sunday 14 June 2009

Late Registration
Monday, 15 June 2009 –
Saturday 8 August 2009

Media Registration
Tuesday, 30 June 2009

Youth Delegate Registration
Tuesday, 30 June 2009

Changes of Registration Names
Wednesday, 1 July 2009

Confirmation of attendance and
registration to the conference (if
scholarship accepted)

Wednesday, 15 June 2009

Online Abstract Submission deadline
Friday, 27 March 2009 (Closed)

Late breaker Abstract Submission
Monday, 1 June 2009 –
Tuesday, 30 June 2009

Scholarship Application deadline
Thursday, 30 April 2009 (Closed)

Symposium Apllication deadline
Sunday, 15 March 2009 (Closed)

Satellite Meeting Apllication deadline
Sunday, 15 March 2009 (Closed)

Exhibition Application deadline
Tuesday, 30 June 2009 (Closed)

Accomodation booking deadline
Tuesday, 30 June 2009