The agreement, which is the culmination of eight months of negotiation between the Institute and Tibetan authorities, positions the Burnet Institute to continue its sexual health and HIV prevention work with key vulnerable groups and communities.

Professor Brendan Crabb, Director and CEO of the Burnet Institute said the agreement would see the Institute build on its nearly 15-year continuous presence in the complex and resource-poor region.

“Immediate plans are for the program to reinforce outreach teams working with Lhasa-based sex workers, and commence an exciting, new sexual and reproductive health project with young women and men from remote, rural communities,” Professor Crabb said.