The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Asia


 

Publication Date: January 2002

Publisher: East-West Center

Author(s): Tim Brown

Research Area: Health

Type: Brief

Coverage: Asia

Abstract:

The HIV/AIDS epidemic began relatively late in Asia, and HIV infections have not reached the high levels observed in some other parts of the world. Yet behavioral patterns that increase the risk of HIV transmission such as unprotected sex and needle sharing are not uncommon in many Asian societies. Without interventions to modify high-risk behavior, the virus continues to spread, and current infection levels could rise rapidly in many Asian countries.