Towards universal access: Need to do more [PDF 807 KB]

In the South-East Asia Region, the majority of people living with HIV do not know that they are infected.  Expanding access to HIV testing and counselling is a priority, so that HIV-infected persons can have early access to treatment.

HIV testing and counselling is also the gateway to prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. In the South-East Asia Region, only 28% of HIV-infected women receive treatment to prevent transmission of HIV infection to their child.

The World Health Organization pledges its support to help countries meet the challenge of expanding and improving HIV-related services, so that universal access to HIV prevention, care, treatment and support becomes a reality.

HIV testing for life... HIV testing for all tuberculosis patients [PDF 1.77 MB]

Aids in Asia: The challenge Ahead (2004)

Editor Jai P Narain. Sage Publications. ISBN 0761932259, 2004, 395 pages, Rs 295

This important and comprehensive volume focuses on the epidemiological and programmatic aspects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Asia. The contributors discuss the dynamics and determinants of HIV and cover a wide range of pertinent topics related to its prevention, care and treatment. In addition the volume provides country-specific HIV reports. The contributors highlight success stories in both prevention and cure as also the lessons learned from the Asian response to the challenge. They argue that facilitating access to care, including antiretroviral treatment, is now a matter of crucial importance as is scaling up innovative practices that have proved effective in Asia.

HIV/AIDS meeting the challenge  [PDF 743 KB]

HIV/AIDS has assumed epidemic proportions in most parts of the South-East Asia Region, which now accounts for the second highest burden of the disease after Sub-Saharan Africa.

This revised edition of the advocacy booklet brings together the experiences and successes in tackling the current HIV/AIDS epidemic, as well as the new challenges ahead. It aims to contribute to improved national and regional responses, and to the formulation of evidence-based actions in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the Region.

Beyond 2000 Responding to HIV/AIDS in the new millennium

WHO/SEARO, 2001, SEA/AIDS/122, 65 pages,gratis

This document unfolds the story of AIDS in WHO's South-East Asia Region and focuses on how the epidemic has grown from a handful of HIV infections reported in 1984 to over five million by early 2001.An extensively referenced account is also presented of the pattern of transmission, the vulnerabilities of different population groups and documented evidence of the socio-economic and health implications of HIV/AIDS in the Region.

The document proposes and describes the strategies and approaches that countries in the Region must take if they are serious about slowing down the relentless spread of HIV infection, providing care and support for those infected and affected and alleviating the social and economic impact of the epidemic.

AIDS: The Challenge

WHO/SEARO, 1999, 30 pages, gratis.

This advocacy booklet was conceptualized and edited by Dr Jai P Narain, Regional Adviser, at the WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia. Addressed primarily to political leaders and policy makers, this booklet will be useful for all organizations, institutions and individuals in their efforts for advocacy. It will also help to understand the unprecedented challenge posed by AIDS and how to respond effectively and positively.

Tuberculosis and HIV - Some Questions and Answers

WHO/SEARO, 1999, ISBN 974-415-081-5, 69 pages, gratis.

This document has been developed to provide health care personnel involved in TB and HIV control, NGOs and community-based organizations an overview of the epidemiology of HIV and TB control strategies, the clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of TB when associated with HIV, and its prevention in health care settings in the South-East Asia Region.

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AIDS: No time for Complacency

WHO/SEARO, 1997, ISSN 0250 - 8362, 89 pages, gratis.

This book discusses the history of the AIDS pandemic, routes of transmission, prevention of HIV and managing HIV/AIDS. It also provides an update on vaccine and drug development. The final chapter contains questions and answers about AIDS. The book is useful for advocacy and educational purposes as it deals with major issues in a concise and simple manner.

AIDS: The Right to know

This short 23-minute film on HIV/AIDS in SEA Region developed in 1995 by WHO/SEARO can be used to sensitize policy makers, curriculum framers, teachers, administrators and parents on the value and need of school AIDS education. It contains testimonials and voice-overs from policy makers, national programme managers and students. 

Let's talk about AIDS - A Book of Stories

WHO/SEARO, 1994, 36 pages, gratis.

A collection of stories from the region which highlight different aspects of HIV/AIDS prevention and care. The booklet also contains basic facts about AIDS and could be used in classrooms and distributed for reading by children above 14 years of age.

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Understanding and Living with AIDS

WHO/SEARO, 1992, 64 pages, gratis.

This document is a SEARO adaptation of "Living with AIDS in the Community" written and produced in 1991 in Uganda by the AIDS Control Programme, MOH, and the AIDS Support Organization, UNICEF and WHO, and revised by GPA and UNICEF in 1992. This book helps readers understand how HIV is spread and what people can do to avoid becoming infected. It provides practical information for health workers and all those involved and interested, in understanding AIDS and helping people to live positively with AIDS.

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