HIV Rising Among Gay, Bi Men in Asia

A new report backed by the UN says that the prevalence of HIV among gay and bisexual men in Asia is increasing, fueled by laws that criminalize behavior and discourage access to services.

According to Reuters, "over 90 percent of gay and bisexual men in Asia do not have access to HIV prevention and care services, the report said. It cited examples of repressive laws or lack of anti-discrimination laws preventing these men from getting the help they needed."

The report delivered some alarming statistics about HIV among gay and bisexual men in Asia compared to the rest of the population.

"For example, HIV prevalence among gay and bisexual men in Bangkok was now 30.8 percent compared to 1.4 percent in the adult population in Thailand," reported Reuters. "In Yangon, the figure was 29.3 percent versus 0.7 percent in Myanmar; while in Mumbai, it was 17 percent versus 0.36 percent in all of India."

The report calls for the repeal of laws that criminalize gay sex, and it urges the enactment of antidiscrimination laws.