HIV rates rising
among gay men in Asia

Although most of the HIV cases in Asia to date have been linked with injection-drug use or commercial sex work, a new report shows that HIV rates are beginning to rise among gay and bisexual men in the Asia-Pacific region. HIV prevalence rates among gay men in several Asian countries are rising, including in Thailand, India, and Cambodia. AIDS advocates say that many Asian countries are not addressing the HIV risks among gay and bisexual men because of cultural taboos against homosexuality and, in some cases, laws that make homosexuality a crime. These prevent gay and bisexual men from seeking HIV prevention information and from accessing condom distribution programs for fear of being identified as gay, health experts say. (The Advocate)