(Originally published on 03/02/2016)

On 2 March 2016, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Asia-Pacific Transgender Network (APTN) launched the Chinese version of the “Blueprint for the Provision of Comprehensive Care for Trans People and Trans Communities in Asia and the Pacific”, also known as the “Trans Health Blueprint”.  

The Asia-Pacific region is home to a large number of trans people; individuals whose gender identity, or expression of their gender, differs from social norms related to their gender of birth. There are a number of indications that, internationally, HIV prevalence among trans people has reached alarming levels. In the Asia-Pacific region, HIV prevalence rates have been reported to be up to 49%. While in China data is lacking, it is clear that more needs to be done to understand and respond to trans people’s health needs.

The ‘Trans Health Blueprint’ is the first official document providing clear guidelines and evidence-based recommendations for governments, civil society and the medical community on how to improve trans people’s health in Asia and the Pacific. As committed during last year’s meeting on the HIV epidemic among trans people, UNDP translated the document into Chinese in the belief that it can provide useful evidence and guidance for stakeholders in China.

The “Blueprint” addresses the lack of information and aims to ensure equitable access to health and HIV services while promoting equality of sexual and gender minorities. This resonates strongly with UNDP’s mission in Asia and the Pacific. Patrick Haverman, Deputy Country Director of UNDP China, highlighted that “for the first time, this document is built on the inputs and information coming from trans people themselves, as well as medical professionals and policymakers from across the region. Because of this, it contains new data and practical recommendations that are needed in every country. This is why we hope that many of you will find it useful in your daily work as advocates or service providers.”

This important publication was the result of a regional partnership between UNDP, WHO, USAID and APTN. The launch was attended by Joe Wong from APTN, who led in the production of the Blueprint and coordinated all consultations across the region, and Jack Byrne, who wrote the Blueprint.

UNDP also hosted a focus group discussion focusing on legal gender recognition for trans people in China, as part of a multi-country project undertaken by UNDP’s “Being LGBTI in Asia” initiative. Each country will consider existing laws and policies, as well as practices, within the broader context of equal treatment in front of the law for trans people. The China review will produce a comprehensive national report, analysing avenues for progressing trans people’s right to recognition before the law.

Within the UN, UNDP is the lead agency working on sexual and gender minorities including trans people when it comes to HIV, and works closely with UNAIDS at the regional and country level.