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MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Australia and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are expanding efforts to combat the spread of HIV in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) through prevention programs integrated into infrastructure development projects, particularly road construction.

A $6 million technical assistance (TA) grant funded by Australia and managed by ADB will fund HIV prevention programs in ADB-supported infrastructure projects during pre-construction, construction and post-construction phases in Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and Viet Nam.

“The GMS is one of the world’s fastest growing subregions; however, the HIV epidemic poses a threat to the region’s economic expansion and efforts to reduce poverty,” said Lisa Studdert, Health Specialist of ADB’s Southeast Asia Department. “Mobility, men and money – the ‘three Ms’ – are closely linked to the spread of HIV in the region. The development of major transport routes attracts the ‘three Ms’ and ADB, with the financial support of the Australian Government, aims to address the resulting increase in HIV risk.”

Large infrastructure projects, including airports, railways, ports, power plants, and roads, offer economic opportunities that attract migrant workers, commercial retailers, and entertainment industries to once remote communities.

The TA will help support the development and dissemination of prevention information, raising awareness of HIV among workers in infrastructure projects, sex workers, road users, and local communities. Condoms will be distributed among the target groups. Additionally, medical services will be enhanced to provide the target groups with better access to testing and treatment for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

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