United Nations Radio

Millions of migrants across Southeast Asia are vulnerable to HIV infection as they lack access to AIDS-related services and legal or social protection.

A joint report by the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) says more than 1.5 million people are living with HIV in the region and most of them are of working age.

According to the report, in Thailand, which has more comprehensive data, migrant fishermen showed HIV infection rates of up to 9.0 per cent.

In the Philippines, 35 per cent of registered people living with HIV are returning migrants.

The UN Development Programme - UNDP's regional director Ajay Chhiber says "migrant workers are a vital force to national economies in Southeast Asia, yet when it comes to protecting their rights and ensuring HIV prevention and treatment, they are often among the forgotten."

And, UNAIDS regional director Prasada Rao says "while migrants and their sexual partners are included as a vulnerable group in the national strategic plans of ASEAN countries, comprehensive programmes to address their needs have yet to be developed, funded and implemented."

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

(duration: 1'03")