Since the extensive spread of HIV began at the end of the 1980s, more than 7 million people in the region have become infected. In the year 2003 alone, it is estimated that more than 500 000 died of AIDS in Asia - about 1500 a day This publication includes a general overview on HIV/AIDS status and trends in the Asia and the Pacific Region and a section which provides descriptive details on HIV/AIDS situation for each country