Political Leadership Amongst Parliamentarians

UNAIDS

Parliamentarians from Australia, India, Philippines and Indonesia illustrated their involvement in HIV/AIDS. Chris Puplick, Australia, highlighted the importance of involving parliamentarians in AIDS prevention and care from the beginning to avoid possible opposition, particularly when implementing controversial programs. The Hon Mariani Baramul from Indonesia personally participated in community visits where NGOs implement prevention programs. Before joining the parliament, Baramul delivered her medical support to sex workers, which enabled her understanding of the sex worker's situation and their difficulties. She particularly stressed the importance of political commitment when she returned from UNGASS. Baramul believes parliamentarians could play an active role in HIV prevention, such as by ensuring the need of community participation, ensuring budget allocation for HIV/AIDS prevention and care, and act as advocator and monitor during the process.

Senator Juan Flavier from the Philippines echoed with Baramul by illustrating his involvement in AIDS prevention. He previously arranged a dinner between the Former President Ramos and a group of PLWHA during World AIDS Day, in order to change people's misconception on the transmission of HIV. As a Catholic and an advocator of safer sex and promoting condom use, Flavier explained to the audience that the Catholic churches condemned him. Oscar Fernandes, General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, shared his involvement in addressing AIDS issue at the parliamentary level. He suggested that the most important step to combat AIDS is to create public awareness and provide prevention program.