HIV / AIDS in South-East Asia: an update.

As of July 1 1996 1393649 cumulative AIDS cases in adults and children had been reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) from 193 countries since the beginning of the pandemic. HIV infection is a serious public health and developmental problem in southeast Asia with the WHO estimating more than 3.7 million people to be infected with HIV in the region. This infection extends into the general population and is not confined among people who practice high risk behaviors. As of July 1 1996 Thailand India and Myanmar had reported the largest number of AIDS cases: 41230 2940 and 1093 respectively. However WHO estimates that 2.5 million people are actually infected in India 800000 in Thailand 350000 in Myanmar and 95000 in Indonesia. While Bhutan and North Korea have not yet reported AIDS cases people in Bhutan have been diagnosed with HIV infection. The health and socioeconomic impact of HIV/AIDS national plans and programs the 100% condom use program in Thailand peer education among sex workers in Calcutta WHO support for country responses advocacy and support promoting appropriate HIV prevention strategies and interventions HIV/AIDS care as part of primary health care HIV/AIDS and STD surveillance and the future role of WHO are discussed.