According to UNAIDS, HIV infections are increasing among homosexuals, drug users and prostitutes.

One core reason UNAIDS states is the criminalization of the practices followed by these groups. Fearing penalization, these groups do not practice safe methods or seek help, making them highly vulnerable to HIV infections.

Moreover, 85 countries have laws that criminalize same sex relations among adults which include seven countries where the penalty is death. Michel Sidibe, the head of UNAIDS finds this objectionable and says that, "You have a growing conservatism which is making me very scared".

Sidibe states that countries like China, Kenya, Malawi, where these laws are in effect, the toll of HIV infections among homosexuals is on the rise. On the contrary, in most countries of the Caribbean, where these laws are nonexistent, the percentage of HIV infections in homosexual males is only 3-6%.

However, Sidibe does not limit reasons for spread of HIV infections among gays only to repressive laws. He cites the example of USA where laws are not restrictive, more than 50% of HIV infections have occurred among homosexuals. According to Sildbe, in USA, lack of awareness and complacency are responsible for increasing numbers.

Drug users also refrain from taking treatment since drug abuse has criminal repercussions.

These facts are a cause of great concern to UNAIDS, as it correlates to mounting HIV infections in the world.