Palau: UNGASS 2010 Country Progress Report (January 2008-December 2009)

This report was compiled by the Monitoring & Evaluation Officer of the HIV/AIDS & STI Program with the assistance of the Secretariat of the Pacific Communities. Consultations with staff members from the Ministry of Health, Finance and Budget Office of the Ministry of Health, Palau Red Cross Society, and the National Advisory Group on HIV/AIDS known as the Palau HIV/AIDS and STI Advisory Group (PHASAG) were held. The PHASAG meets 4-6 times a year and has played an active role in reviewing the HIV/AIDS & STI Program budget. They were actively involved in the workshop for reviewing the national HIV/AIDS & STI strategy in November 2007. Relationship between government and civil society has improved through increased collaboration and involvement in key areas of HIV/STIs. Due to the small population, the members of PHASAG are all involved in various boards and other organizations; however, the group had always garnered quorum to conduct its business.