WHO estimates that about 3.5 million people have been infected with HIV, and cumulative infections in the region are expected to quadruple to more than 10 million by the year 2000. These epidemics, still in their early stages, may dwarf the epidemics from which Sub-Saharan Africa has suffered for the past decade. Across Asia the epidemic has become well established where high risk behavior related to intravenous drug use and commercial sex is prevalent. At present, parts of Cambodia, India, Myanmar, and Thailand are particularly affected. In places, the rate of increase in HIV prevalence outstrips what Africa has experienced.
Political commitment is an essential prerequisite for an effective response.
In the currently less affected Asian states, the degree of seriousness with which the authorities view the issue varies enormously. The World Bank's attention to HIV in Asia began early. Laudably, the Thai government decided to finance its own program. Both large and small countries in Asia have the opportunity to take effective action now, and consequently avoid facing a severe situation in the near future. Notably, this project called for launching a comprehensive, and multisectoral approach.