HIV prevention and community-based organizations in Japan

The first AIDS-related community-based organizations (CBOs) in Japan emerged in the 1980s for persons who contracted HIV through infected blood products. Since then, more than 50 CBOs have been established to reach out to all HIV-infected persons. Most are centered in Tokyo. CBO activities include telephone hotlines, ''buddy services,'' support groups, lobbying efforts, and outreach and prevention activities. Adequate funding continues to be a challenge, although progress has been made in soliciting funds from corporations (often foreign) and, increasingly, from the government. Networking of CBOs has allowed consolidation of funds and efforts, resulting in greater efficiency. Among the tasks that lie ahead for AIDS CBOs are linking family, medical, and social services into a comprehensive care network.