The International Labor Organization says the HIV/AIDS virus, carried by an estimated 36.5 million people of working age, is taking a toll on the world's labor force and costing at least $25 billion in annual productivity.
Meanwhile,authorities in Laos acknowledge that Lao people are increasingly at risk of HIV-AIDS infection because of the country’s location at the center of the economic links between the nations of the Mekong Sub-region.
But Thailand says the risk can be reduced if all-out, serious efforts are made to prevent the spread of the deadly virus, by educating the people and encouraging the use of condoms.
Listen to our Laos Today report for details.