On August 22, 2024, IA joined Caring and Living As Neighbor (CLAN) for the most recent quarterly Community of Practice (CoP) virtual meeting. IA Cross-Movement Building Officer from Intersex Asia and other participants from different countries reflected on the significant strides the project has made through the recent delivery of phase I of their project in the Philippines (Bridging the Gaps) and the Knowledge to Action Framework. This collaborative platform also provided invaluable insights into the way we understand the challenges faced by Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) communities around the world, particularly in the Philippines, and has reinforced our commitment to ensuring that intersex and patient organizations have their health and human rights safeguarded at all times.
Learning from the community
During the meeting, we discussed the different situations in various African countries, highlighting the complexities surrounding access to critical medicines such as Hydrocortisone and Fludrocortisone. We were particularly concerned by the disparities in availability, cost, and access to diagnostics, Our discussions were further enriched by updates on recent developments in the human rights landscape, including the significance of the first intersex resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council in April 2024.
The Knowledge to Action Framework, as showcased by CLAN, emphasizes the importance of collaboration, resource sharing, and advocacy in effecting meaningful and lasting change. Through this framework, we have learned to harness collective knowledge to drive improvements in healthcare access while also working on policies that protect bodily integrity, personal consent, and bodily autonomy. Upholding fundamental principles of bioethics in healthcare for intersex individuals and by promoting bodily integrity, personal informed informed consent, and comprehensive medical care.
Way forward
For Intersex Asia, engaging in these spaces is crucial. It allows us to communicate effectively the urgent need for affirmative access to healthcare resources and to help to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by our communities in Asia and the importance of understanding the voices of intersex communities around the world. The experiences shared by our African colleagues underscore the importance of continued advocacy to ensure that every intersex individual has access to the medicines and diagnostic tools necessary for their well-being.
