Strategies to Control AIDS/HIV in Asian Region

Abstract

It was estimated that 4.8 million people in Asia were already infected with HIV. Many countries including India, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, some part of Vietnam and China is experienced a severe HIV epidemic. All categories of HIV risk behaviors and factors are known to exist in most countries of the region but with different degree. Experiences and lessons from some countries such as Thailand suggested that to effectively prevent HIV, it is necessary to have a national AIDS program, adequate budget from the country, and with partnerships from all government and non-government sectors. There are five important strategies which should be implemented with wide coverage: STDs service, condom promotion in all sex establishments, HIV screening for blood supply, HIV surveillance and information dissemination through mass media. With this prevention strategies, there is evidence of decrease of STDs and declining of HIV infection among young Thai male. Because HIV is the effect from poverty, inequality of socioeconomic development, National AIDS program should not neglect the opportunity to reform the unfavorable social or economic situation. Asian countries can and must strengthen their collaboration for joint HIV control program with full commitment and contribution.
J Epidemiol, 1996 ; 6 : S125-S128.