This book makes an original contribution to the sociology of health and disease by identifying the economic roots of HIV and AIDS in South and South-East Asia. With original case studies from India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, the authors also explore the influence of HIV and AIDS on economic growth. The Economics of HIV and AIDS provides a new perspective on the economic impact of the HIV and AIDS epidemic by uncovering the class differentials both in the vulnerability of social groups to the diseases and their access to health services.