AIDS in South Asia: Understanding and Responding to a Heterogeneous Epidemic

Abstract

South Asia's HIV epidemic is highly
\n heterogeneous. As a result, informed, prioritized, and
\n effective responses necessitate an understanding of the
\n epidemic diversity between and within countries. Further
\n spread of HIV in South Asia is preventable. The future size
\n of South Asia's epidemic will depend on an effective
\n two-pronged approach: firstly, on the scope and
\n effectiveness of HIV prevention programs for sex workers and
\n their clients, injecting drug users and their sexual
\n partners, and men having sex with men and their other sexual
\n partners; and secondly, on the effectiveness of efforts to
\n address the underlying socio-economic determinants of the
\n epidemic, and to reduce stigma and discrimination towards
\n people engaging in high risk behaviors, often marginalized
\n in society, as well as people living with HIV and AIDS.