Do you worry that the crisis will impact HIV/AIDS programmes in Asia?
Michel Sidibe: Yes, because even before the crisis Asia was facing an annual financial gap of two billion US dollars to scale up its programmes for universal access for HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. The minimum annual investment Asia needs is about 3.1 billion dollars; what it currently attracts is 1.2 billion dollars. IPS: Are there particular areas of concern in Asia? MS: The roots from where the infection is spreading are underfunded. There is a need for more investment to help the most vulnerable groups such as injecting drug users, men who have sex with men and sex workers. This is because of the lack of prioritisation in responding to the epidemic. The financial crisis can also lead to a collapse of a caring society in the region. It will create a major burden for people with HIV, since caring for them requires money and time. It is this safety net that has been important to take care of children who have become orphans after their parents died and to care for peop
