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Lao PDR stands in a unique position among Asian countries confronting HIV. A land linked country, it shares borders with countries with significant epidemics, particularly Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Yet the limited data available show very low HIV prevalence within Lao PDR. Previously, no coordinated strategy for monitoring HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence and high-risk behaviors existed in Lao PDR. In 1997, the government attempted to institute an HIV Sentinel Surveillance (HSS) program to provide a clear picture of HIV seroprevalence in the country, though no national study was completed. Smaller studies among specific target populations had been conducted, however a large-scale study of HIV and STI prevalence and the behaviors facilitating their spread was still lacking. On the recommendation of the National Committee for the Control of AIDS Bureau (NCCA), and partner agencies, a second generation HIV surveillance system was established in 1999 to study HIV-related risk behaviors and the prevalence of HIV and STIs. The second generation surveillance was made up of two components that will be repeated to allow the measure of trends over time. In 2000-2001, a Behavioral Surveillance Survey (BSS) was conducted in five provinces and measured HIV risk factors among seven high risk populations. The data collected in this component is documented in a separate report. The second step in achieving an integrated surveillance system was the implementation of the HIV Sentinel Surveillance (HSS) and STI Periodic Prevalence Survey (SPPS) in 2001. The findings of this survey are documented in the following report. The data was collected Additional Resources |
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