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Frika Chia Iskandar (Indonesian), is the coordinator of WAPN+ (women working group) of the Asia Pacific Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS (APN+), a regional PLHIV network based in Bangkok, Thailand.

With WAPN+, Frika found herself on a greater mission to effectively respond to AIDS and to help fight stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS. As she reflects, she "learned about the critical need to involve people living with HIV in the response and to empower them to do so adequately."

In 2006, she became a member of the Commission on AIDS in Asia, representing civil society, an ad-hoc commission which was constituted to assess the epidemic, its socio-economic impact, and to recommend how to effectively curb the Asian epidemic.

She has been involved in the research of Human Rights violation documentation in Indonesia, and continues to work with many community mobilization networks such as the ITPC (International Treatment Preparedness Coalition).

From the beginning of her involvement in the HIV/AIDS response in 2002, it didn't take long for Frika to gain full recognition as one of the most vocal and influential people living with HIV, not only within the national AIDS response in Indonesia but also within the regional and global AIDS response.

In 2006, Frika gave a moving speech at the opening ceremony of the 17th International AIDS Conference, Toronto, declaring herself, "the new face of AIDS- a young Asian woman."

Most recently, as a participant at the 2008 International AIDS Conference, Mexico, Frika continued her international involvement as a speaker and advocate for PLHIV, participating in a number of conference presentations and leading youth workshops.
Frika believes in the power of peer education and she continues to advocate for issues around HIV/AIDS including issues around HIV and women, youth, treatment, human rights and communities throughout the Asia region.

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1. milinda rajapaksha wrote on Jan 13, 2009:
this is awesome - I wish you all the best for your works Frika !

2. Giten wrote on Jan 15, 2009:
The need for the decision makers to wake up and genuinely recognise the role and fact that people living with HIV can effectively participate and contribute in the response to HIV, is becoming stronger day by day.
It's only hen this happens that the governments can also be proud of achieving the UA targets and indicators.
Frika! really appreciate the role that you have been playing.

3. Ian wrote on Jan 19, 2009:
Frika, this is an amazing video. The emphasis on advocacy is REALLY important, as well as the need to reduce HIV stigma... Thanks for highlighting these issues :)

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