HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis in Central Asia: Country Profiles is part of the World Bank Working Paper series. These papers are published to communicate the results of the Bank's ongoing research and to stimulate public discussion. The countries of Central Asia are still at the earliest stage of an HIV/AIDS epidemic. However, the region is experiencing: steep growth of new HIV cases; related epidemics of injected drug use, sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), and tuberculosis; a high percentage of youth in the total population; and low levels of knowledge about the epidemics. HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis may have devastating effects on human capital, economic development, and health system reform. To address this impending crisis, the World Bank has initiated the study of HIV/AIDS, STIs, and TB in Central Asia. This study presents country profiles that were developed to inform Bank management and other stakeholders about the main characteristics of the epidemics. The profiles cover epidemiology; strategic and regulatory frameworks; surveillance; preventive, diagnostic, and treatment activities; non-governmental and partner activities; and resources available. This report summarizes the main issues identified by this initial assessment and recommends further study and action.

The Countries of Southeastern Europe (Bulgaria, Croatia, and Romania) have re-committed themselves to scale up action on the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS in the sub-region. These three countries share several social conditions that have led to an alarming increase in HIV infection. These conditions include increasing unemployment and poverty, rapid social changes, a decrease in the accessibility and quality of services and educational opportunities, psychological stress from post-conflict situations, increased substance abuse and sex work, and increased trafficking in women for sexual exploitation. This paper reviews the current status of the AIDS epidemics in the three countries, evaluates the approaches and strategies currently being used in each country, and makes recommendation both for government strategies and for the World Bank's current and potential future involvement in relation to these strategies. Potential interventions are organized according to four general groupings: Epidemiology and Operational Research Health Care and Social Services Health Communications and Promotion Civil Society and Advocacy"