Over the past years, over 10 countries in Asia and the Pacific have removed or revised a number of punitive laws or policies hindering HIV response. These actions are helping to enable more people to access HIV services.
Recent progress towards zero discrimination in Asia and the Pacific: Punitive approaches to sex work, drug use and sexual relations between men; criminalization of HIV transmission; and enforcement of restrictions on entry, stay and residence against people living with HIV hinder access to HIV prevention and treatment services, and can contribute to the increase of HIV-related stigma and discrimination. Over the past years, over 10 countries in Asia and the Pacific have removed or revised a number of such punitive laws or policies. These actions are helping to enable more people to access HIV services.