The HIV epidemic in Asia and the Pacific varies throughout the region. For example, new HIV infections in South and South-East Asia are decreasing, whereas in East Asia, they are rising.
Across all countries, key affected populations are vulnerable and being left behind. 18 countries in the region still criminalise same-sex activities, while drug detention centres punish people who use drugs and deny them access to HIV treatment and harm reduction methods.
However, other legal reforms have been positive, such as the formal recognition of transgender as a third gender in Pakistan and India.
5.8 million people are living with HIV in Asia & the Pacific. Punitive laws are a major barrier to HIV prevention.
China has made substantial progress in tackling its HIV epidemic, however the number of new infections is rising.
HIV prevalence in India is only 0.2%, but its huge population means this equates to over 2.1 million people living with HIV.
Thailand is a world leader in the provision of PMTCT services. However, under 25s are not being reached by prevention efforts.
Myanmar has the second highest number of people living with HIV in the Southeast Asia region.
