"Each culture has its own taboo about sex" India has one of the largest HIV infected populations. It also has one of the largest demands for commercial sex workers. The concept of a dangerous disease mixed with a population fully capable of spreading that disease is the recipe for a epidemic.
In several studies I found the statistics showed that close to 50-70% of commercial sex workers in Mumbai were HIV positive while only 5-10% of the brothels provide condoms. Another article referred to how only slightly more than 50% of men knew how and why to use a condom and of those 50% approximately 20% actually used condoms while performing sexual acts with non-regular sexual partners. (India Environmental Portal)
There is a strict taboo of sex in India. First, there are strong religious ties within India regardless of what religion tradition is being followed. These different religions have strong values in sex outside of the marriage. Therefore there is limited sexual education classes. Due to the belief of there is no threat of disease if both parties are being faithful to their marriage and their partner and not seeking sexual acts outside or prior to marriage.
Second, there is a strong animosity to those who are in prostitution. Therefore if a commercial sex worker contracts HIV in their course of business there is little sympathy for them from the society. This is seen both with those who enter prostitution both voluntarily and involuntarily.
India has one of the largest HIV populations and needs to implement policies aiding this part of their society in order to prevent alienation. But in order for these policies to be created and implemented India must also deal with the taboo within Indian society regarding STDs and sex.
Resources
"India Environmental Portal" http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/node/41194
http://sti.bmj.com/content/86/Suppl_1/i44.full
http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/108729104322994847
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