Beyond our borders.

People living with HIV and AIDS face medical, social, and political challenges all over the world. The HIV and AIDS pandemic strikes less developed countries to such a degree that the reports of HIV-positive populations are unfathomable to our Western urban society. Thailand is spotlighted as one of these countries where AZT access is virtually unattainable and "new drugs" are not even an option. Alternative herbal "medicines" are the only therapy available to most Asians. India, which seems to be receiving the attention and funding that Thailand recently lost, is among other countries spotlighted. India began receiving international AIDS money when then Prime Minister Atal Vajpayee admitted in 1998 that the country had a massive AIDS problem. This money, however, is restricted, leaving local ASOs unable to fund basic needs. New approaches to funding are being implemented and international support is needed to combat the chronic lack of resources.