A recent report based on a survey by UNAIDS and the World Bank revealed the negative effects of the global economic crisis on HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention programs worldwide. Of the 71 countries surveyed in March, 34 countries, which comprise 75 percent of people living with HIV, reported the economic conditions had already impacted prevention programs that focus on high-risk groups including sex workers, people who inject drugs, and men who have sex with men.

With global markets worsening, local and international program leaders anticipate shortages of government and external…