Economic and Social Progress in Jeopardy: HIV/AIDS in the Asian and Pacific Region

In the two decades since HIV/AIDS was first discovered, it has gone from being an enigmatic, uncommon disease to a less mysterious, rampant pandemic. No region has been spared its impact. Few are unaware of its presence.

The spectre of HIV/AIDS is already here, casting a dark shadow over the Asian and Pacific region. The epidemic is a clear and present danger. It threatens to unravel achievements gained. It also threatens to stall future progress.

Given the many ways in which HIV/AIDS proliferates and affects our societies, the solutions too need a multi-pronged approach. The region’s experience in marrying social and economic policies is vital to tackling the pandemic in all its dimensions.