AIDS in Asia

Abstract

Every Asian country has problems with AIDS, but not all are willing to accept this reality. The author therefore limits consideration of the epidemic to the situation in Thailand as an example of what to expect in other countries unless preventive measures are implemented soon. The first case of AIDS identified in Thailand was in 1984 in a Thai male homosexual. Antibodies to HIV were detected a year later in male prostitutes and IV drug users. HIV-seropositive female prostitutes were then identified in 1987, to be followed by the first cases of infection in a heterosexual non-IV drug using male and in pregnant women in, respectively, 1988 and 1989. 5 years after AIDS was first identified in the country, a sentinel surveillance system was introduced in June 1989 to monitor the spread of infection and disease. The main elements of the AIDS prevention program started in 1988 include the routine screening of blood donors, national sentinel surveillance of people in high-risk groups every 6 months, and general and targeted AIDS education. The 100% condom program was also implemented and provides free condom distribution to sex workers. The prevalence of HIV in the general population of blood donors rose from 0.28% to 0.75% over the period June 1989 to December 1991. The prevalence of HIV infections in IV-drug users, however, increased from 1% at the beginning of 1988 to 43% by September 1988; the prevalence decreased to 32% by December 1991. Furthermore, the prevalence of infection among commercial sex workers increased from 3.5% in June 1989 to 20.6% within 2.5 years. 576 cases of AIDS and 812 cases of AIDS-related complex had been reported by June 1992 with sexual intercourse constituting the major rule of transmission. The majority of AIDS cases were among those aged 20-39 years old and male; and almost equal gender distribution exists among those aged 15-19 years.