The Asian Red Cross and Red Crescent AIDS Network (ART) was established in 1994 in response to the spread of HIV/AIDS in Asia Pacific. The purpose of the network was to promote national society participation in HIV/AIDS activities, and to ensure inter-country collaboration on HIV/AIDS activities. ART proved highly successful and today all national societies have HIV/AIDS activities effectively drawing upon experiences and lessons learnt from one country to another. ART is a network of 14 national societies in East and Southeast Asia with a shared vision and mission.