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HIV/AIDS and the Asian Woman
Introduction
AIDS is a dreaded disease because it is a life-long infection for which there is curently no cure or vaccine. The virus which causes AIDS can be spread by asymptomatic 'carriers', of which there are an estimated 50-100 for every known AIDS patient. Thus, this 'hidden epidemic' puts considerable stress on the economic and social fabric of any country affected.
This two-part article focuses on HIV/AIDS from the perspective of the Asian woman: part I covers the epidemiological and social issues, and part II the obstetric and gynaecological issues.
Key Points
- The human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) epidemic is set to envelop the Indian subcontinent and South-east Asia.
- HIV infection is increasingly prevalent in women, the vast majority of whom are of reproductive age; the socioeconomic implications in this group are therefore considerable.
- Women, whether HIV-positive or not, may benefit from educational programmes designed to promote safer (hetero)sexual behaviour and/or reduce intravenous drug use (IVDU).
- Interruption of HIV transmission from mother to infant by use of antiretroviral drugs is one area where major success has been achieved in the war against AIDS.
- Gynaecological conditions are extremely common in HIV-infected women. Unexplained chronic or recurrent vaginal candidiasis especially is important as an indicator of early HIV infection in women.
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