This page is a snapshot of current trends in HIV transmission, testing and prevention in Asia Pacific.

HIV

• Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) emerged in human populations in the 1980s.
• HIV is spread through contact of bodily fluids, and most commonly is transmitted through sex without a condom, or sharing intravenous drug equipment.
• HIV can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, which can lead to fatalities.
• HIV/AIDS has had devastating impact on gay men and men who have sex with men, and these communities continue to be over-represented in new transmission.
• By 1995, 1 in 9 gay men were diagnosed with HIV, and 1 in 15 died from AIDS-related illness.<superscript>1<superscript>

Transmission rates in Asia Pacific

• In 2006, the United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS confirmed that 5-10% of all new HIV infections in Asia Pacific at the time occurred through sexual transmission between men.<superscript>2<superscript>
• In 2020 this figure has increased to 44% despite a 12% decrease in total HIV infections in all of Asia, and 29% reduction in AIDS related deaths.<superscript>3<superscript>
• The full distribution of new HIV transmission in Asia Pacific in 2020 by population is outlined below:

• Gay men and MSM represent the most new HIV infections in the Asia Pacific, followed by clients and partners of sex workers, people who inject drugs and sex workers.<superscript>3<superscript>
• The full distribution of new HIV transmission in Asia Pacific in 2020 by gender and age is outlined below:

NB: The UNAIDS data does not separate transgender men and women. It also should use the terminology 'cis woman' and 'cis man' rather than 'cis female' and 'cis male'.

• Cis males (25-49) disproportionately represent the most new HIV infections in Asia Pacific, followed by Cis females (25-49) and Cis Males (15-24).<superscript>3<superscript>

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Progress in Asia Pacific

• Strides have been made towards the UN General Assembly’s 90-90-90 targets, which aim to have 90% of people living with HIV know their HIV status, 90% of those diagnosed receiving antiretroviral treatment, and 90% of those on antiretrovirals to have viral suppression.<superscript>4<superscript>
• Across Asia, 75% of people living with HIV know their status.
• Australia, Cambodia, and Thailand have all achieved the 90-90-90 targets.
• The majority of countries have planned, piloted or rolled out PrEP programmes, with Australia, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam the most advanced prevention program.<superscript>3<superscript>

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Sources

1. Rosenfeld, D. (2018). The AIDS’ epidemic lasting impact on gay men.

3. UNAIDS, 2020. 2020 Global AIDS Update: Seizing the Moment: Tackling entrenched inequalities to end epidemics.

2. UNAIDS, 2006. HIV and Men who have Sex with Men in Asia and the Pacific.

4. UNAIDS, 2016. 2016 United Nations Political Declaration on Ending AIDS.