HIV in the Western Pacific

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) targets the immune system and weakens people's defence systems against infections and some types of cancer.  It may be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse (anal or vaginal), transfusion of contaminated blood, sharing of contaminated needles, and between a mother and her infant during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding if the mother is not on treatment. There is no cure for HIV infection, however, effective antiretroviral (ARV) drugs can control the virus and help prevent transmission so that people with HIV and those at substantial risk, can enjoy healthy, long and productive lives.

Key populations face much higher risks of HIV infection than the general population. Key populations include female sex workers and their clients, men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people, people who use drugs, and prisoners. Seven out of 10 people living with HIV in the Region are male, which is largely attributed to continued high-risk behaviours such as unprotected sex and sharing of injecting equipment. Key populations often face legal and social barriers that increase their vulnerability to HIV and impede their access to prevention, testing and treatment programmes.

“Communities make the difference” is the theme of World AIDS Day 2019. We recognize the key role that communities are playing in the response to HIV, through advocacy, service provision and peer support, bringing us closer to our target of endings AIDS.