HIV/AIDS in the South-East Asia region: progress and challenges.

Abstract The South-East Asia region, with 11 member states, has an estimated 35 million people living with HIV (PLHIV) More than 99% of PLHIV live in five countries where HIV prevalence among the population aged 15–49 remains low but is between 2% and 29% among key populations Since 2010, the region has made progress to combat the epidemic Mature condom programmes exist in most countries but opioid substitution therapy, and needle and syringe exchange programmes need to be scaled up HIV testing is recommended nationwide in four countries and is prioritised in high prevalence areas or for key populations in the rest In 2015, PLHIV aware of their HIV status ranged from 26% to 89% Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is recommended for all PLHIV in Thailand and Maldives while six countries recommend ART at CD4 cell counts