HIV/AIDS is a worldwide epidemic, primarily killing people in poor countries in Asia and Africa. Nearly one-third of countries do not have access to counseling, social support and medical care. They also suffer economic rights and do not have laws to protect them. Also, because of traditional values and norms, safer sex practices continue to be difficult in most of the countries which makes prevention difficult. They have also been deprived of CD4 cell count facilities, and of the widely available antiretroviral (ARV) drugs.

For women, the situation is particularly worrisome.