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Dr. Carol Strong
Dr. Carol Strong is an associate professor at the Department of Public Health at National Cheng Kung University in Tainan, Taiwan.
She earned her PhD in Health Behavior from the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, where she developed a strong foundation in behavioral sciences. Her research interests focus on understanding the complexity of human behavior, particularly through rigorous methodological and statistical approaches.
Dr. Strong’s work spans
multiple areas, including adolescent health, sexual health among men who have sex with men (MSM), and behavioral interventions aimed at improving public health
outcomes.
Dr. Strong is the principal investigator for a project funded by the Taiwan Ministry of Science and Technology, where she is working to develop a prediction-oriented
adaptive intervention for adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), aiming to prevent HIV transmission among MSM.
Additionally, she is involved in a project that
monitors and evaluates an integrated health service model addressing sexually transmitted infections, chemsex, and the delivery of PrEP. Her work is dedicated to
fostering evidence-based approaches to improve health outcomes in marginalized populations, with a special focus on health equity and harm reduction strategies.
She earned her PhD in Health Behavior from the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, where she developed a strong foundation in behavioral sciences. Her research interests focus on understanding the complexity of human behavior, particularly through rigorous methodological and statistical approaches.
Dr. Strong’s work spans
multiple areas, including adolescent health, sexual health among men who have sex with men (MSM), and behavioral interventions aimed at improving public health
outcomes.
Dr. Strong is the principal investigator for a project funded by the Taiwan Ministry of Science and Technology, where she is working to develop a prediction-oriented
adaptive intervention for adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), aiming to prevent HIV transmission among MSM.
Additionally, she is involved in a project that
monitors and evaluates an integrated health service model addressing sexually transmitted infections, chemsex, and the delivery of PrEP. Her work is dedicated to
fostering evidence-based approaches to improve health outcomes in marginalized populations, with a special focus on health equity and harm reduction strategies.
Dr. Lim Sin How
Dr. Lim Sin How is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Malaysia. Trained as an epidemiologist (PhD, University of Pittsburgh), his research focuses on sexual health, substance use, and HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Asia. Over the past two decades, he has led and collaborated on numerous studies examining stimulant use in sexual contexts, syndemic health conditions, and chemsex behaviors and their implications for HIV prevention and care.
Dr. Lim’s early work in the United States explored stimulant use trajectories among MSM in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study. In Malaysia, he has conducted pioneering epidemiological and qualitative research on methamphetamine use and chemsex among MSM, including one of the first national online surveys documenting its prevalence and correlates. He has also partnered with the Malaysian AIDS Council to pilot a web-based chemsex intervention aimed at reducing HIV and psychosocial harms among stimulant-using MSM in Malaysia. His work has contributed to shaping HIV prevention and harm reduction strategies in Malaysia.
Dr. Lim’s early work in the United States explored stimulant use trajectories among MSM in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study. In Malaysia, he has conducted pioneering epidemiological and qualitative research on methamphetamine use and chemsex among MSM, including one of the first national online surveys documenting its prevalence and correlates. He has also partnered with the Malaysian AIDS Council to pilot a web-based chemsex intervention aimed at reducing HIV and psychosocial harms among stimulant-using MSM in Malaysia. His work has contributed to shaping HIV prevention and harm reduction strategies in Malaysia.
Kosol Chuenchomsakulchai (Owie)
Kosol serves as the Regional Program Manager for Impulse Group Asia under the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), where he leads volunteer-driven initiatives focused on advancing the health and well-being of gay communities across the region. In this role, he provides strategic direction, motivation, and hands-on support to chapters operating in Bangkok (Thailand), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), and Beijing (China).
These programs center on community engagement through events and activations designed to promote self-awareness and self-protection related to key public health issues, including HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), mental health, and chemsex awareness.
Beyond program leadership, Kosol plays an active role in regional advisory and governance structures. He represents AHF/Impulse on the Multiple Sexuality Persons Community Advisory Board (M-CAB) and also serves as an M-CAB representative on the National Community Advisory Board (NCAB). Additionally, he contributes as a board member for HIV-related issues on the SEARCH Community Advisory Board (SEARCH-CAB) and serves as Thailand’s member of the Deliver Community Engagement Group, advancing community participation and influencing policy dialogue across Asia
These programs center on community engagement through events and activations designed to promote self-awareness and self-protection related to key public health issues, including HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), mental health, and chemsex awareness.
Beyond program leadership, Kosol plays an active role in regional advisory and governance structures. He represents AHF/Impulse on the Multiple Sexuality Persons Community Advisory Board (M-CAB) and also serves as an M-CAB representative on the National Community Advisory Board (NCAB). Additionally, he contributes as a board member for HIV-related issues on the SEARCH Community Advisory Board (SEARCH-CAB) and serves as Thailand’s member of the Deliver Community Engagement Group, advancing community participation and influencing policy dialogue across Asia
Bo Justin
Bo Justin Xiao (he/him) is a recognised leader in chemsex (sexualised drug use), harm reduction, and peer support across Australia. Based in Sydney, he brings over 15 years of lived experience and professional expertise, leading culturally responsive, non-judgemental and trauma-informed health promotion programs for LGBTQ+ communities, including people living with HIV and/or those who engage in chemsex.
At ACON, Bo Justin implemented the peer-led M3THOD program, developed with community members, clinicians, and researchers. Drawing on stages-of-change theory, motivational interviewing, harm reduction education, and service navigation, the program supports participants to manage chemsex frequency, reduce harms, and access affirming care. Workshops explore trigger management, shame, identity, intimacy, sexual wellbeing, boundaries, and self-agency.
He oversees integrated peer and clinical interventions, mentors peer staff, and strengthens cross-sector partnerships and research collaborations, ensuring peer-led chemsex support is a cornerstone of community health infrastructure. Previously a Board Director at the National Association of People with HIV Australia, he continues to advise networks and projects centring communities affected by chemsex and HIV. In 2025, he was awarded by the Network of Alcohol and Other Drugs Agencies for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual with Living/Lived Experience.
At ACON, Bo Justin implemented the peer-led M3THOD program, developed with community members, clinicians, and researchers. Drawing on stages-of-change theory, motivational interviewing, harm reduction education, and service navigation, the program supports participants to manage chemsex frequency, reduce harms, and access affirming care. Workshops explore trigger management, shame, identity, intimacy, sexual wellbeing, boundaries, and self-agency.
He oversees integrated peer and clinical interventions, mentors peer staff, and strengthens cross-sector partnerships and research collaborations, ensuring peer-led chemsex support is a cornerstone of community health infrastructure. Previously a Board Director at the National Association of People with HIV Australia, he continues to advise networks and projects centring communities affected by chemsex and HIV. In 2025, he was awarded by the Network of Alcohol and Other Drugs Agencies for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual with Living/Lived Experience.
Norman
Norman is a public health scholar working at the intersection of HIV prevention, mathematical epidemiology, socio-behavioural research and implementation science, aiming to support efforts and structural changes to address challenges in adopting person-centred care and HIV prevention strategies as well as improve wellbeing trajectories of communities with and affected by HIV.
Norman has worked with the Center of Excellence for Research in Infectious Diseases and AIDS at University Malaya and presently a PhD candidate at the Kirby Institute at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
Norman has worked with the Center of Excellence for Research in Infectious Diseases and AIDS at University Malaya and presently a PhD candidate at the Kirby Institute at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
Palani Narayanan
Palani Narayanan is a pioneer in harm reduction and a senior public health/drug policy specialist. He co-founded the first harm reduction program in Kuala Lumpur in 1991. He was elected the inaugural Chairperson of the Asian Harm Reduction Network in 1997 through which he advocated for harm reduction policies and programs across Asia.
In 2005, he led the team that designed and implemented the National Harm Reduction Pilot Programmes which to date has contributed significantly to reduction of HIV in Malaysia. Most recently, between 2018 and 2022, he was the Senior Advisor to The Global Fund on Harm Reduction and Drug Policy. During this time he founded the Asia Chemsex Platform, commissioned the first community manual on Chemsex in Asia and has since run trainings on Chemsex across the region. Palani Narayanan is currently the Director of the Drug Policy Program Malaysia, a secretariat under the Malaysian AIDS Foundation made up of key experts in the field of drugs.
In 2005, he led the team that designed and implemented the National Harm Reduction Pilot Programmes which to date has contributed significantly to reduction of HIV in Malaysia. Most recently, between 2018 and 2022, he was the Senior Advisor to The Global Fund on Harm Reduction and Drug Policy. During this time he founded the Asia Chemsex Platform, commissioned the first community manual on Chemsex in Asia and has since run trainings on Chemsex across the region. Palani Narayanan is currently the Director of the Drug Policy Program Malaysia, a secretariat under the Malaysian AIDS Foundation made up of key experts in the field of drugs.
Pongkwan Yimsaard
Pongkwan Yimsaard is an addiction psychiatrist at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital and a lecturer at the Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, in Bangkok, Thailand.
She is also a member of the Center for Addiction Studies and a former CHIMERA (Capacity development in HIV and MEntal health Research in Asia) Fellow. Her research focuses on the intersection of substance use and sexual health in at-risk populations. This includes implementation research on Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) for alcohol use among transgender women attending transgender communtity health clinic, as well as studying the impact of cannabis decriminalization on sexual risk behavior among young adults attending community sexual health clinics in Thailand.
She is also a member of the Center for Addiction Studies and a former CHIMERA (Capacity development in HIV and MEntal health Research in Asia) Fellow. Her research focuses on the intersection of substance use and sexual health in at-risk populations. This includes implementation research on Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) for alcohol use among transgender women attending transgender communtity health clinic, as well as studying the impact of cannabis decriminalization on sexual risk behavior among young adults attending community sexual health clinics in Thailand.
Ashwin Thind
Ashwin is a Clinical Psychologist specialising in substance use disorders, chemsex, and
behavioural compulsions. With over a decade of experience across NGOs and the
private sector, he has held clinical and leadership roles in both residential and outpatient
settings, working across diverse therapeutic modalities.
He currently serves in an advisory and consultative capacity at PT Foundation, where he
jointly oversees COMRED, a peer-led harm reduction programme for chemsex
management. Additionally, he is leading efforts to develop the organisation’s mental
health and psychological services, aimed at establishing an integrated one-stop centre
providing psychological care, sexual health, and addiction recovery support.
Ashwin is pursuing a PhD in Public Health at the University of Malaya, where his research
focuses on developing an integrated psychological and harm reduction programme to
strengthen the capacity of peer supporters in delivering effective, peer-based chemsex
care for men who have sex with men (MSM).
He is a Global Master Trainer with ISSUP, UNODC, and the Colombo Plan on addiction
prevention, treatment, and recovery support. An active member of regional and
international networks, he serves on the Executive Committees of MEGA and ISSUP
Malaysia, co-founded the Asian Recovery Network, and is a core member of the Global
Chemsex Network and Malaysia’s National Task Force for Drug Decriminalisation.
behavioural compulsions. With over a decade of experience across NGOs and the
private sector, he has held clinical and leadership roles in both residential and outpatient
settings, working across diverse therapeutic modalities.
He currently serves in an advisory and consultative capacity at PT Foundation, where he
jointly oversees COMRED, a peer-led harm reduction programme for chemsex
management. Additionally, he is leading efforts to develop the organisation’s mental
health and psychological services, aimed at establishing an integrated one-stop centre
providing psychological care, sexual health, and addiction recovery support.
Ashwin is pursuing a PhD in Public Health at the University of Malaya, where his research
focuses on developing an integrated psychological and harm reduction programme to
strengthen the capacity of peer supporters in delivering effective, peer-based chemsex
care for men who have sex with men (MSM).
He is a Global Master Trainer with ISSUP, UNODC, and the Colombo Plan on addiction
prevention, treatment, and recovery support. An active member of regional and
international networks, he serves on the Executive Committees of MEGA and ISSUP
Malaysia, co-founded the Asian Recovery Network, and is a core member of the Global
Chemsex Network and Malaysia’s National Task Force for Drug Decriminalisation.
Nikolay Lunchenkov
Nikolay Lunchenkov is a medical doctor and global health specialist who focuses on HIV prevention and chemsex in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA).
He is a research fellow at the Technical University of Munich and a health projects coordinator at ECOM (the Eurasian Coalition on Health, Rights, Gender and Sexual Diversity). His work includes scaling up PrEP programmes, providing HIV and STI prevention services, and coordinating national responses to emerging infections such as Mpox.
He has managed initiatives funded by the Global Fund and other donors, expanding PrEP delivery across seven EECA countries.
A core focus of his research and advocacy is the intersection of PrEP use, stimulant drug use and chemsex. He has led studies exploring the barriers to HIV testing and PrEP uptake among gay and bisexual men, as well as other key populations. These studies have highlighted the role of chemsex in shaping sexual health and risk perception. His findings have been published in peer-reviewed journals and have informed policy and clinical guidance in Central Asia. He is fluent in Russian and English and has a working knowledge of German. He is committed to advancing evidence-based, community-driven approaches to HIV prevention and chemsex-related health challenges in EECA.
He is a research fellow at the Technical University of Munich and a health projects coordinator at ECOM (the Eurasian Coalition on Health, Rights, Gender and Sexual Diversity). His work includes scaling up PrEP programmes, providing HIV and STI prevention services, and coordinating national responses to emerging infections such as Mpox.
He has managed initiatives funded by the Global Fund and other donors, expanding PrEP delivery across seven EECA countries.
A core focus of his research and advocacy is the intersection of PrEP use, stimulant drug use and chemsex. He has led studies exploring the barriers to HIV testing and PrEP uptake among gay and bisexual men, as well as other key populations. These studies have highlighted the role of chemsex in shaping sexual health and risk perception. His findings have been published in peer-reviewed journals and have informed policy and clinical guidance in Central Asia. He is fluent in Russian and English and has a working knowledge of German. He is committed to advancing evidence-based, community-driven approaches to HIV prevention and chemsex-related health challenges in EECA.
Raymond Tai
Raymond Tai is the Acting Chief Operation Officer at PT Foundation, a community based non-profit organization working with key affected populations on HIV-AIDS and STI advocacy, prevention, treatment, support and care work.
He had volunteered for PT Foundation for more than 20 years and has been working full time with PT Foundation since 2007. Among the programs that Raymond oversee are the peer outreach programs, HIV treatment adherence programs, counseling and mentoring, a community led sexual health clinic and a harm reduction program for sexualized drug use. PT Foundation work with vulnerable populations such as gay men and other men who have sex with men, people living with HIV, children and mothers infected or affected by HIV, refugee outreach, and college students.
He had volunteered for PT Foundation for more than 20 years and has been working full time with PT Foundation since 2007. Among the programs that Raymond oversee are the peer outreach programs, HIV treatment adherence programs, counseling and mentoring, a community led sexual health clinic and a harm reduction program for sexualized drug use. PT Foundation work with vulnerable populations such as gay men and other men who have sex with men, people living with HIV, children and mothers infected or affected by HIV, refugee outreach, and college students.
Mai Quang Anh
Mai Quang Anh is a public-health and social work practitioner specializing in substance-use prevention and intervention and mental health within HIV services. He serves as Director of WeCare Social Enterprise and National Chapter Coordinator of ISSUP Vietnam (member of ISSUP’s International), and holds the ICAP Addiction Treatment certificate.
Quang Anh leads multi-site projects that integrate chemsex/SBIRT, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed mental-health care into HIV prevention and treatment, including PrEP. He has co-designed one-stop (OSS) models at SHP and partner clinics that embed screening for sexualized substance use, brief interventions, stepped care, and warm handovers to counseling and psychiatry.
He collaborates with CREATA-H, Hanoi Medical University, community organizations, social enterprises, and government counterparts to translate evidence into practice, reduce barriers at facilities, and scale harm-reduction and mental-health packages for communities such as MSM, sex workers, and transgender people. His portfolio spans implementation research, service delivery, capacity building, and technical assistance to clinics transitioning to sustainable, client-paid PrEP.
Quang Anh also leads outreach and communication strategies that connect community members to screening, prevention, and care, and he contributes to policy dialogues aimed at improving quality, safety, and dignity across Vietnam’s HIV and mental-health services.
Quang Anh leads multi-site projects that integrate chemsex/SBIRT, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed mental-health care into HIV prevention and treatment, including PrEP. He has co-designed one-stop (OSS) models at SHP and partner clinics that embed screening for sexualized substance use, brief interventions, stepped care, and warm handovers to counseling and psychiatry.
He collaborates with CREATA-H, Hanoi Medical University, community organizations, social enterprises, and government counterparts to translate evidence into practice, reduce barriers at facilities, and scale harm-reduction and mental-health packages for communities such as MSM, sex workers, and transgender people. His portfolio spans implementation research, service delivery, capacity building, and technical assistance to clinics transitioning to sustainable, client-paid PrEP.
Quang Anh also leads outreach and communication strategies that connect community members to screening, prevention, and care, and he contributes to policy dialogues aimed at improving quality, safety, and dignity across Vietnam’s HIV and mental-health services.
Nguyen Quoc Giang
Nguyen Quoc Giang is a Technical Advisor at Alo Boy, where he provides strategic consultation for community-based projects, supports grant development, and contributes to strengthening organizational capacity. His work focuses on empowering marginalized communities through participatory and sustainable approaches.
Alongside his advisory role, Giang is a PhD student in Social Work and a member of the Public and Community Engagement (PCE) group at the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU). He has been with OUCRU since 2018, engaging in projects that connect healthcare workers, patients, and caregivers on mental health–related issues—particularly those addressing stress and anxiety.
Giang’s earlier research explored barriers to healthcare access among hard-to-reach populations at risk of Hepatitis C. His current work examines the challenges faced by frontline workers in health research in Ho Chi Minh City.
Alongside his advisory role, Giang is a PhD student in Social Work and a member of the Public and Community Engagement (PCE) group at the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU). He has been with OUCRU since 2018, engaging in projects that connect healthcare workers, patients, and caregivers on mental health–related issues—particularly those addressing stress and anxiety.
Giang’s earlier research explored barriers to healthcare access among hard-to-reach populations at risk of Hepatitis C. His current work examines the challenges faced by frontline workers in health research in Ho Chi Minh City.
Vichet Kem
Vichet Kem, 43 years old, Cambodian and living in Phnom Penh City, Cambodia. Vichet graduated a Master Degree of General Management in 2019.
Vichet started working in social work since 2003 in field HIV/AIDS prevention amongst Men’s Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) and Transgender Women (TGW), integrated harm reduction, enabling environment, mental health support, reduce stigma and discrimination amongst their families, communities, and service providers to assist them to get health services without stigmatize discrimination and equal rights.
Men’s Health Cambodia (MHC) is Community Based Organization, working on HIV prevention amongst MSM and TGW in 12 provinces/city across Cambodia such as Phnom Penh, Kandal, Kampong Cham, Thbong Khmum, Prey Veng, Takeo, Kampong Speu, Kampot, Sihanouk Ville, Kep, Koh Kong and Siem Reap province. MHC delivers services such as outreach activity, condom and lubricants distribution and demonstration, HIV/Syphilis testing, delivery PrEP, refer to PEP, STI treatment and ART, Mental health support services.
Vichet is passionate to see key populations (LGBTQI+) and other vulnerable groups living with healthy, equal rights to access health services without stigma and discrimination, encouraged and supported by society.
Vichet started working in social work since 2003 in field HIV/AIDS prevention amongst Men’s Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) and Transgender Women (TGW), integrated harm reduction, enabling environment, mental health support, reduce stigma and discrimination amongst their families, communities, and service providers to assist them to get health services without stigmatize discrimination and equal rights.
Men’s Health Cambodia (MHC) is Community Based Organization, working on HIV prevention amongst MSM and TGW in 12 provinces/city across Cambodia such as Phnom Penh, Kandal, Kampong Cham, Thbong Khmum, Prey Veng, Takeo, Kampong Speu, Kampot, Sihanouk Ville, Kep, Koh Kong and Siem Reap province. MHC delivers services such as outreach activity, condom and lubricants distribution and demonstration, HIV/Syphilis testing, delivery PrEP, refer to PEP, STI treatment and ART, Mental health support services.
Vichet is passionate to see key populations (LGBTQI+) and other vulnerable groups living with healthy, equal rights to access health services without stigma and discrimination, encouraged and supported by society.
Yohanes Gentar
Yohanes Gentar, he has 12 years of experience working in intervention programs for people who inject drugs (PWID) since 2006 and 3 years of experience in interventions for chemsex users up to the present with Sadar Hati Foundation.
Hue Anh Dinh
Hue Anh Dinh is a Program Officer at Lighthouse Social Enterprise, specializing in mental health and harm reduction within LGBTIQ+ and chemsex communities in Vietnam. She has led peer-driven and psychosocial interventions addressing the intersections of substance use, sexuality, and mental health, with a focus on reducing stigma and expanding community-based support.
With a background in Psychology from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM, her work focuses on integrating mental health into broader health services while leveraging digital tools and peer networks to improve access to care. Committed to participatory and evidence-informed approaches, she emphasizes amplifying community voices and developing sustainable models tailored to local needs
With a background in Psychology from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM, her work focuses on integrating mental health into broader health services while leveraging digital tools and peer networks to improve access to care. Committed to participatory and evidence-informed approaches, she emphasizes amplifying community voices and developing sustainable models tailored to local needs
Vu Thi Hien
Vu Thi Hien is a Project Manager at the Harm Reduction and Addiction Treatment Program of SCDI, with over 10 years of experience in harm reduction and HIV/AIDS. Throughout her career, she have been deeply involved in various aspects of drug use and HIV/AIDS issues in Vietnam, especially focusing on developing and implementing community-based models for harm reduction and addiction treatment.
Trained and certified as a Learning Expert on Harm Reduction by the Mainline Foundation, she passionate about strengthening technical capacity, developing training materials, and advancing innovative approaches that enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of harm reduction programs.
Trained and certified as a Learning Expert on Harm Reduction by the Mainline Foundation, she passionate about strengthening technical capacity, developing training materials, and advancing innovative approaches that enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of harm reduction programs.
Tin Lu
Lu Trong Tin is a Preventive Doctor specializing in public health and health advocacy. With over six years of experience, Lu focuses on ensuring equitable access to essential health services for vulnerable communities, particularly MSM and TG populations, through collaboration with community-based and international organizations.
Lu possesses deep expertise in designing and implementing harm reduction intervention programs for substance-using communities, including Chemsex intervention. He also actively engages in qualitative research to understand the needs of Vietnamese youth.
Currently, Lu serves as a Preventive Doctor at Nguyen Trai Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, where he contributes to the public hospital's overall planning and medical management
Lu possesses deep expertise in designing and implementing harm reduction intervention programs for substance-using communities, including Chemsex intervention. He also actively engages in qualitative research to understand the needs of Vietnamese youth.
Currently, Lu serves as a Preventive Doctor at Nguyen Trai Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, where he contributes to the public hospital's overall planning and medical management
Desi Andrew Ching
Desi Andrew Ching is a highly respected advocate and organizational leader in the Philippines' HIV response, bringing both over 15 years of lived experience and professional expertise to his work.
As the President of the HIV & AIDS Support House Inc. (HASH), Desi directs vital community-led prevention efforts that are driving the next phase of the national HIV strategy. These initiatives are focused on expanding access to PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), championing the empowering message of U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable), and scaling up community-based HIV screening to reach key populations.
Desi's approach is uniquely informed by his degrees in Medical Technology and Business Administration, allowing him to merge clinical insight with strategic management in addressing complex public health challenges.
Living with HIV since 2007, Desi provides a crucial, non-judgmental perspective on cultural and behavioral factors, including the intersection of chemsex and HIV transmission. He is a passionate voice dedicated to the rights and well-being of the community, committed to building an inclusive, evidence-based harm reduction framework in the Philippines
As the President of the HIV & AIDS Support House Inc. (HASH), Desi directs vital community-led prevention efforts that are driving the next phase of the national HIV strategy. These initiatives are focused on expanding access to PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), championing the empowering message of U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable), and scaling up community-based HIV screening to reach key populations.
Desi's approach is uniquely informed by his degrees in Medical Technology and Business Administration, allowing him to merge clinical insight with strategic management in addressing complex public health challenges.
Living with HIV since 2007, Desi provides a crucial, non-judgmental perspective on cultural and behavioral factors, including the intersection of chemsex and HIV transmission. He is a passionate voice dedicated to the rights and well-being of the community, committed to building an inclusive, evidence-based harm reduction framework in the Philippines
Dr. Sazali Basri
Dr. Sazali Basri is an internal medicine and infectious diseases physician based at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) in Kuala Lumpur. He also volunteers as a visiting physician at the Community HealthCare Clinic (CHCC), supporting clinical care within the community-led clinic. Driven by growing concerns about chemsex in Malaysia, he founded and leads Project ComRed, a community-led harm reduction initiative for individuals engaged in chemsex. He currently serves as the Principal Investigator and Academic Advisor for this implementation project.
Dr Hazlin
Dr Nor Hazlin received her undergraduate and postgraduate training in Family Medicine from National University of Malaysia (UKM). She had been working with Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) for the past 24 years and as Family Medicine Specialist since 14 years ago. She has a special interest in addiction and completed her Subspeciality training in Addiction Medicine in Primary Care under MOH with fellowship in Chulalongkorn University and Fresh Start Clinic, Australia). She is now the head of clinic and Consultant
FMS in Klinik Kesihatan Batu 9, Cheras. She holds the position as President of Malaysian Family Medicine Specialist Association (FMSA) for the term 2024-2026 and also Assistant Secretary for Medical Expert Guidance Association on Addiction (MEGA) since 2024.
She currently leads the team at the One Stop Centre for Addiction (OSCA),KKBatu9. She has been active on numerous platforms related to addiction, publishing articles and contributing to the various guidelines related to addiction such as Guidelines for Behavioural Addiction, Garis Panduan One Stop Centre for Addiction (OSCA), MIMS Family Medicine and many more. Dr. Hazlin has collaborated with several government agencies and NGOs related to addiction, including AADK, Rumah Sahabat, and Persatuan Insaf Murni. She serves as an advisor for Rumah Sahabat, a private residential rehabilitation centre in Selangor and also expert committee reviewer for Generation End Game (GEG). Currently, she is working with other experts as part of the National Taskforce for Drug Decriminalisation whereby she is also the chairperson for Subcommittee team on strengthening drug addiction treatment.
FMS in Klinik Kesihatan Batu 9, Cheras. She holds the position as President of Malaysian Family Medicine Specialist Association (FMSA) for the term 2024-2026 and also Assistant Secretary for Medical Expert Guidance Association on Addiction (MEGA) since 2024.
She currently leads the team at the One Stop Centre for Addiction (OSCA),KKBatu9. She has been active on numerous platforms related to addiction, publishing articles and contributing to the various guidelines related to addiction such as Guidelines for Behavioural Addiction, Garis Panduan One Stop Centre for Addiction (OSCA), MIMS Family Medicine and many more. Dr. Hazlin has collaborated with several government agencies and NGOs related to addiction, including AADK, Rumah Sahabat, and Persatuan Insaf Murni. She serves as an advisor for Rumah Sahabat, a private residential rehabilitation centre in Selangor and also expert committee reviewer for Generation End Game (GEG). Currently, she is working with other experts as part of the National Taskforce for Drug Decriminalisation whereby she is also the chairperson for Subcommittee team on strengthening drug addiction treatment.
Meng Li
Meng Li Chong is a counselling psychologist in the Infectious Disease Unit of the University of Malaya Medical Center (UMMC), Malaysia, with strong interest in HIV and mental health. As the very first psychologist working in the Infectious Disease Unit of the UMMC, she works closely with clinicians, nurses and established the first infectious disease wellness clinic in Malaysia that includes mental health care for people living with HIV. She was one of the fellow under a NIH funded capacity development for HIv and MEntal health Research in Asia (CHIMERA) program and currently enrolled into PhD program under University of Malaya with project focuses on mental health implementation in the infectious disease clinic.
Eang Songheang
He graduated Bachelor of Art in psychology and MBA. A dedicated and experienced public health response with a decade of experience specializing in HIV prevention, mental health, harm reduction, capacity building, community engagement and social behavioral change among key vulnerable population (KVP) in Cambodia. He is highly skilled in providing technical assistance, training, and coaching to implementing partners, CBOs, and key population networks on innovative HIV response. He worked at KHANA and had experience in HIV prevention, mental health and harm reduction sector for around 8 years in policy and partnership, and HIV and harm reduction program implementation to ensure health services are accessible, friendly, equality and quality for KVP. Notably, He managed the initiative project rapid response fund financial support by the Frontline AIDS and technical support through ARHA. This project targets key population who involve in chem-use.
Polin Ung
Polin Ung is the Adviser for Services for All Implementation at the UNAIDS Multi-Country Office for Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Malaysia. With nearly 20 years of experience in public health and HIV, he has worked across national and community levels to advance inclusive, rights-based health services.
Since joining UNAIDS in 2013, Polin has led efforts to strengthen community systems, shape HIV policy and strategy, and expand access to quality services for key populations. He has played a pivotal role in introducing key population-friendly services and innovative prevention approaches, including virtual interventions, long-acting PrEP, and guidance on harm reduction related to chemsex. Polin also supports ensuring that programmes are responsive to community needs and aligned with legal and human rights frameworks.
Prior to joining UNAIDS, he held key positions with few other UN agencies, international and local NGOs, and national programs, working across HIV, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and maternal and child health.
He holds degrees in nursing, management, and public health.
Since joining UNAIDS in 2013, Polin has led efforts to strengthen community systems, shape HIV policy and strategy, and expand access to quality services for key populations. He has played a pivotal role in introducing key population-friendly services and innovative prevention approaches, including virtual interventions, long-acting PrEP, and guidance on harm reduction related to chemsex. Polin also supports ensuring that programmes are responsive to community needs and aligned with legal and human rights frameworks.
Prior to joining UNAIDS, he held key positions with few other UN agencies, international and local NGOs, and national programs, working across HIV, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and maternal and child health.
He holds degrees in nursing, management, and public health.
Vichea Ouk
Vichea Ouk is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Health at the University of Health Sciences in Phnom Penh, and he serves as the Director of the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology, and STD (NCHADS) within the Ministry of Health, Cambodia. He received his medical doctor degree at the University of Health Sciences, and his Master of Public Health Degree at the University of New South Wales, Australia.
NCHADS is a national HIV and STD program under the Ministry of Health that leads in coordination and collaboration with all key stakeholders, decision makers, and policy makers to develop, implement, and monitor strategies, policies, guidance, standard operating procedures, innovations of HIV and STIs prevention, care, and treatment in Cambodia. He is the author and co-author of many peer-reviewed papers related to HIV and STIs.
NCHADS is a national HIV and STD program under the Ministry of Health that leads in coordination and collaboration with all key stakeholders, decision makers, and policy makers to develop, implement, and monitor strategies, policies, guidance, standard operating procedures, innovations of HIV and STIs prevention, care, and treatment in Cambodia. He is the author and co-author of many peer-reviewed papers related to HIV and STIs.
Martha de la Paz
Martha de la Paz is a Health Policy and Systems Specialist and LGBTQI+ health advocate from the Philippines. She holds a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with certificates in Gender and Health and LGBTQI+ Public Health. Her experience spans health systems strengthening at the Department of Health Philippines, where she led COVID-19 policy development and Universal Health Care Act implementation, and LGBTQI+ health advocacy, including developing health promotion frameworks and conducting transgender health research. Currently serving as a consultant at UNAIDS Philippines, she leads efforts to achieve the 95-95-95 HIV goals while integrating HIV services into Universal Health Care reforms, ensuring key populations have access to inclusive and culturally-responsive services.
Howie
Carol
hazlin
pongkwan
mengli
ashwin
kosol
justin
norman
palani
nikolay
raymond
mai
giang
vichet
yohanes
hue
vu
tin
desi
sazali
eang
quang
phuong
thi
tan
thanh
khin
rodenie
patrick
cathy
martha
vichea
polin
indunil
norphansy
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