Based on APN+’s 3-day consultation with 14 young people living with HIV (acquired and perinatal) in Bangkok, Thailand February 20-22, 2013

‘My Right to Health,’ was a consultation for young people living with HIV in Asia-Pacific which brought together 14 young people aged 16 –22 living with HIV from countries across the region. Countries represented were: Cambodia, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, and Vietnam. The consultation aimed to identify priority issues affecting health and well-being of adolescents and young people living with HIV, and to better understand the extent to which current policies, programs or services meet the needs of young people living with HIV (among other objectives). The consultation was supported technically and financially by: UNICEF, UNESCO, UNFPA and UNAIDS.

The consultation was one component of research APN+ is conducting to better understand the needs of children and young people living with HIV. Focus group discussions with adolescents living with HIV were also conducted in four countries, and in-depth interviews and case studies are planned. APN+ will produce a report and advocacy materials in May 2013 based on these research findings. The following are key themes and issues that emerged from the focus group discussions and at the consult