HIV/AIDS came late to Asia but is now spreading rapidly. With 6 million infections estimated as of the end of 1999, Asia now has the largest number of people living with HIV/AIDS after Africa. While response to the epidemic has been somewhat delayed in all countries, experiences now show that HIV can indeed be prevented, provided sound and effective interventions are implemented. This paper summarises the lessons learnt in responding to the epidemic so far and articulates challenges and priorities for the future. The experience of the past decade should indeed guide our future responses in combating the HIVlAIDS epidemic.
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