UCSF research in Asia mirrors the numerous and diverse sub-regions of Asia. Much of the work in these regions is associated with the epidemiology, prevention, and control of infectious disease, principally HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis. For instance, Sir Richard Feachem and his team members at The Malaria Elimination Initiative of the Global Health Group (GHG) have been working to support countries for malaria control and elimination in Asia. In the field of prevention and harm reduction, researchers such as Vincanne Adams and Mohsen Malekinejad have been studying substance abuse in China and Iran. Other research efforts focus on empowerment and HIV prevention among high-risk women and girls, such as the Children's Resiliency Program in India and Kimberly Page's work with sex workers in Cambodia.

Since 1991, UCSF researchers have studied trachoma, Sjögren syndrome, and optical health delivery at the world's largest eye hospital, Aravind Eye Hospital, India.