Approximately seven million Asians are infected with HIV or AIDS. HIV infection rates in Asia are among the fastest in the world. Factors such as poverty, drug use, and inadequate health care have contributed to the pandemic in this region. Cultural beliefs leading to discrimination of homosexuals and individuals living with HIV or AIDS have also aggravated efforts to educate Asian communities and treat those living with the debilitating disease. Currently, efforts to impart tolerance of homosexuality and infected individuals are underway.

For more information, refer to the following web sites:

www.asiasource.org/news/at_mp_02.cfm?newsid=2861
A comprehensive resource on AIDS in Asia

www.avert.org/aidschina.htm
This is the web site for Avert, an international charity that focuses on HIV/AIDS-related issues. One of the group's goals is to spread awareness about important issues related to this pandemic. Search the site for the science behind transmission, for issues of concern in today's society, and other important fields of information.

www.utopia-asia.com/aidschi.htm
This web site provides an archive of articles reporting on HIV/AIDS in China. The focus of this web site is also to raise awareness of the homosexual Asian population and to fend against discrimination of this population.