Since 1981, when acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was first reported in the US, the disease has spread widely, affecting almost all the countries world over. India ranks second, after South Africa, in terms of total number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS cases in the world. This book highlights the menace of the problem in Asia, describing the epidemiological aspects and the response mounted over the past two decades. Various experts have contributed to the book and editor Jai P Narain, regional advisor of World Health Organization, southeast Asian region, has deftly handled each chapter. Apart from the epidemiological issues, the book discusses the vulnerability factors of the disease, its prevention, case surveillance, detection, investigation and management, secondary infection prevention and treatment, social and cultural issues, economic dimensions and current issues in vaccine development. The book has been written in a lucid style and makes for engaging reading. The diagrams and tables are self-explanatory. The issues discussed will be of practical use to National AIDS Control Programmes, health care workers, academicians and NGOs working in the area of HIV/AIDS prevention and care.