So, what's new at ACAS? Did you know about the "Legal, Ethical and Human Rights Challenges Faced by East and Southeast Asians in particular, Persons Infected with and Affected by HIV/AIDS" project? That's right. As part of ACAS' ongoing commitment to improve the quality of life of Asian PHAs, ACAS has contracted with Health Canada to conduct research with clients, their partners and families, service providers and Asian organizations to identify the barriers faced by Asian PHAs and the lack of access to culturally and linguistically appropriate HIV/AIDS services in the wider society. The intent of this research is to demonstrate the need and advocate for the funds to develop more comprehensive programming for Asians PHAs, namely disenfranchised individuals such as women, transgendered people, and youth who are not already accessing HIV services of any kind. To date, the research team headed up by William Lau and three dedicated research assistants: Susanda, Trinh and Sandra have uncovered a multitude of diverse issues from both clients and service providers. The challenge is to prioritize which of these will be the most essential to the final report.

This needs assessment is expected to be completed by the end of June 1999 at which time a copy of the final report will be available for wide distribution in July. The project Advisory Committee and the community at large are waiting with great anticipation for the results. In the meantime, if you should have any questions regarding the project, feel free to contact myself the committee chair at, William Lau the researcher or Keith Wong the ACAS Executive Director.

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