ASHM Report Back
Clinical posts from members and guests of the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) from various international medical and scientific conferences on HIV, AIDS, viral hepatitis, and sexual health.
HIV Prevention in Dangerous Times
Are we there yet? Reaching global goals for HIV in Asia and Pacific Regions
Treatment approaches should also be within context of a country’s culture. Any approaches for it to work must be culturally appropriate. HIV and drug use are indeed global issues but unfortunately, successful approaches in first world countries does not automatically translate to the same level of success in third world countries. Take the Philippines as an example. MSM is an issue that is still taboo in many places, particularly in very remote places; therefore, collecting accurate data will remain questionable. Studies will always be one sided for not all views will be collected. Drug program and HIV intervention as mentioned, are treated separately for the reason stated above. Are we there yet? Certainly not. But until culturally appropriate treatment strategies could be devised, HIV will always remain a stigma and the 90-90-90 target will remain a long way from achievement.