SBR- Content.pmd - INBO

State of the Basin Report - 2003The presence of HIV/AIDS in the countries of the LMB has been documented since the early1990s. It is recognised as an emerging public health problem of serious proportions and, if not controlled,a potential constraint on economic development in the region. Throughout the region, sexual contactis a major factor in the transmission of the HIV virus. In Viet Nam, injecting drug use is also a majorcause of HIV/AIDS, accounting for 65 percent of cases. 57 Vulnerability to HIV/AIDS is closelyassociated with population movements in the LMB. 58The incidence of HIV/AIDS varies significantly. Cambodia has had the highest rate in the LMBand the highest rate of increase in HIV/AIDS in Southeast Asia. 59 Most of the affected peoplelive in Phnom Penh, the Plains Region and provinces close to Thailand. Data suggest that thesituation may be stabilising in Cambodia, with a drop in the incidence of HIV/AIDS from fourpercent in 1997 to 2.8 percent in 2000. 60In recent years, Thailand has implemented successful measures to control and significantly reduce theincidence of HIV/AIDS. 61 Nonetheless, infection rates are particularly high in the North Region. 62The incidence in Lao PDR and Viet Nam is much lower, but it has increased rapidly over the 1990s(for example, 7 percent per annum in Viet Nam). 63 The MDG target is to halt and reverse the spreadof HIV/AIDS by 2015.Women in the LMB are particularly vulnerable to the growing presence of HIV/AIDS in the region.Trafficking in women and young girls for sexual purposes increases their exposure to HIV. Womenin the general population and their unborn children are also at risk due to the high degree of mobilityamong men within the region. In Cambodia and Thailand, young women (15-24 years) have HIV/AIDS prevalence rates significantly higher than men in the same age group. Available data indicatethat in Lao PDR, half of the people infected with HIV are women. 64 Women constitute approximately20 percent of people living with AIDS in Viet Nam. 65Figure 5. HIV/AIDS prevalence, 15-24 years (%), 2000Source: WB 2002a2.3 Literacy and educational achievementImproving the levels of literacy and educational achievement is essential for economic and socialdevelopment in the LMB. Economic growth and development require a skilled work force, includingboth men and women. Higher literacy and education levels among women are closely associatedwith lower fertility rates, as well as improvements to their own health and the health of theirchildren.54