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.