Health

Health Challenges in Asia

Countries in Asia continue to suffer from the scourge of HIV/AIDS, avian influenza (AI), malaria, and tuberculosis (TB).

Since the HIV/AIDS epidemic began, there have been an estimated 8.8 million cases in Asia – 21 percent of the global total. Each year, there are approximately one million new HIV infections and 521,000 AIDS deaths in Asia. Combinations of risky sexual and drug-use behaviors are fueling the epidemic, which authorities worry are not being taken into account under current prevention strategies. Empirical evidence indicates that the HIV/AIDS epidemic in East Asia is concentrated mostly in large cities and in “hotspots” along transportation corridors where there is a convergence of most-at-risk populations. If transmission can be significantly reduced in the populations that engage in risky behaviors, the spread of the disease to the general population can be stopped.

Similarly, prior advances to reduce malaria and TB in the region are being threatened with the emergence of drug-resistant strains throughout the Asia Pacific region. Nascent outbreaks of multiple drug-resistant TB and malaria have emerged in densely populated areas, such as refugee camps. Migration across national borders for work is common, leading to the further spread of disease and drug-resistant forms of TB and malaria.

In addition, emerging infectious diseases such as AI have already had a major impact in the region.

USAID's Response

In response, USAID manages HIV/AIDS programs and supports efforts to combat AI, TB, and malaria across Asia. USAID helps these countries improve their ability to conduct infectious disease research and surveillance, increase their capacity to communicate the need for behavior change, train researchers and caregivers, effectively deliver health services, and provide community-based care and support.

With USAID's help, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand began standard surveillance for malaria. USAID has also built hospices and provided home-based care for HIV/AIDS patients in Thailand and Burma.

USAID is helping countries control outbreaks of avian influenza, strengthening poultry surveillance at borders, and assisting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) prepare for a possible human pandemic.

Current Activities

• Regional Avian Influenza Program
• Regional HIV/AIDS Program
• Regional Infectious Diseases Program
• Burma: Improving the Quality and Access to Health Care
• China: HIV/AIDS Program
• Laos: Reduction of Infectious Diseases, HIV/AIDS, and Avian Influenza Program
• Vietnam: Targeting HIV/AIDS and Avian Influenza

Health Articles

• USAID Opens Supply Center to Contain Bird Flu Outbreaks
• HIV/AIDS Program Turning Into Model
• USAID Increases Assistance to Battle Malaria Along the Thai-Burma Border
• 'Clean Hands, Zero Bird Flu' Program Launched in Thailand's Schools
• USAID, National Ministries Taking Steps to Stop Spread of Deadly, Multi-Drug Resistant Malaria in Asia
• The United States Provides Grants to Fight HIV/AIDS in Vietnam