In some countries political and spiritual leaders and opinion-leaders are continuing to play down the HIV problem. Sexuality is a taboo subject. Information and education work is made more difficult as a result.

Poorly performing health systems in developing countries mean that other sexually transmitted diseases, which significantly increase the risk of HIV transmission, are not being treated. The availability of condoms is limited and the opportunities for HIV testing with in-depth counselling are few and far between.

Combined therapies slow the rate of progress of AIDS, but they are unable to cure it. Many developing countries do not have the financial and logistical resources to pay for this treatment.