"Oh! This one is infected!": Women, HIV and Human Rights in the Asia-Pacific Region

This paper discusses the various forces that contribute to women's disproportionate vulnerability to HIV infection, including biological, economic, social, cultural and "programmatic" (structural) factors. Drawing from testimonials of HIV-positive women, the authors also document discriminatory attitudes and actions against women with HIV status. They argue that as HIV affects women disproportionately, there is a need for a gender-based response: "[programs] need to be designed to challenge and transform those cultural norms that are harmful, enhance women's participation in decision-making and remove the social and cultural barriers to women's improved health and dignity". The paper concludes with a list of recommendations. [Descriptors: Reproductive Rights - HIV/AIDS, International]