Association of people living with HIV/AIDS (APL+)

The Lao Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (LNP+) was established in 2003 under the umbrella of the Lao Red Cross and the Australian Red Cross. LNP+ aims to support people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) across Laos, with a focus on 12 provinces. It operates under Decree No. 115/PM, issued on April 29, 2009.

In 2010, LNP+ applied for official registration under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA). On June 28, 2012, it was officially registered as a legal entity under the name Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS (APL+).

Since 2011, APL+ has expanded its network to 12 provinces, establishing 12 self-support groups with an initial membership of 707 PLHIV, including 341 women. Today, the association has 1,200 registered members, including 404 women, organized into 13 self-support groups (SGs) across 13 provinces. Among them, 32 permanent members (14 women) actively lead the network.

APL+ operates through three regional divisions, each led by a team of three representatives (a total of 9 leaders, including 4 women):

1. Northern Region: Xayabouly, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Luang Namtha, Bokeo, Houaphan
2. Central Region: Vientiane Capital, Vientiane Province, Bolikhamxay
3. Southern Region: Khammouane, Savannakhet, Saravanh, Champasak

Vision

All PLHIV have a better quality of life, with equal rights in society, free from stigma and discrimination.

Mission

1. Strengthen coordination and partnerships with the Lao government, civil society organizations (CSOs), and community-based organizations (CBOs) responding to HIV/AIDS in Laos.
2. Act as a representative and key voice for PLHIV in Laos.
3. Engage in all HIV/AIDS-related response efforts and services.

Strategic Goals

1. Advocate for health policies and HIV/AIDS issues at the national and regional levels.
2. Build the capacity of key populations (PLHIV) at all levels to align with national HIV/AIDS strategies.
3. Provide care and support for PLHIV, including women, children, and vulnerable groups, through home visits, home-based care, monitoring, and follow-ups for those who have lost contact with health services.
4. Strengthen coordination between the central office and provincial networks to enhance efficiency in service provision and treatment access.
5. Promote the rights of PLHIV and encourage access to healthcare facilities.
6. Conduct community campaigns to reduce stigma and discrimination against PLHIV.