<![CDATA[Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains an important public health problem in Asia despite the relatively low prevalence in the general adult population. This article aims to describe the epidemiological profile of HIV in Asia, including its distribution across subregions, key populations and associated risk factors, and major control strategies. The manuscript was developed through a literature-based synthesis of recent regional and global publications cited in the case report, with emphasis on epidemiological studies, systematic reviews, and public health recommendations. The reviewed evidence indicates that the HIV burden is heterogeneous across Asia, with Southeast Asia reporting the highest burden among Asian subregions in the 2023 Global Burden of Disease analysis, while high-income Asia-Pacific had the lowest burden. Key populations, including men who have sex with men, transgender women, sex workers, people who inject drugs, prisoners, and their sexual partners, contribute substantially to the continuing epidemic. Unsafe sex is an important attributable risk in most Asian subregions, whereas drug use has a more prominent role in Central Asia. Persistent barriers include stigma, discrimination, limited access to testing and prevention services, and gaps in continuity of treatment. Control efforts therefore require an integrated approach involving HIV testing, antiretroviral therapy, pre-exposure prophylaxis, condom use, antenatal screening, education, and services that are accessible and acceptable to key populations.]]>
