The Asian and Pacific Islander Coalition on HIV/AIDS (APICHA) released the first-ever report on the perceptions, knowledge and risks of HIV/AIDS for women in South Asian Community here Thursday.

"This report shows that we do not know all of the issue, concerns and requirements of the South Asian community in regards to HIV/AIDS awareness. What it does show is the need for more government and community involvement and the need for increased research funding for Asian and Pacific islanders' HIV/AIDS related issues," said Therese Rodriquez, executive director of APICHA.

South Asian countries include Bangladesh, Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka. There are more than 307,000 South Asians living in New York State, with the majority living in New York City, the report notes.

The report explores the attitudes and knowledge of South Asian women regarding HIV/AIDS and provides recommendations to the South Asian community in New York on issues these women face when addressing HIV/AIDS.

Among the list of recommendations are more active community involvement, better education programs, greater awareness on health care, immigrant rights and gender issues. The report also urges the community to draw upon its own strengths and use cultural and structural factors to foster support rather than isolate those living with HIV/AIDS.

"With this study we are beginning to put HIV/AIDS on the radar. This report's findings and recommendations provide some direction for future research and policy implications," said Margaret Abraham, co-author of the report and professor of sociology in Hofstra University.

He described the report as "one step in the right direction" as it offers recommendations to the government, community leaders and the public, and increases the HIV/AIDS awareness.

Source: Xinhua