The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health released figures on the HIV/AIDS situation in Hong Kong in quarter 1 of 2016 today. There were 147 new cases of HIV infection in this quarter. Please see http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201605/31/P201605310263.htm for the detailed government data.
In response to the large number of infections, besides conducting free rapid HIV tests in our Jordan Health Service Centre, AIDS Concern has extended the mobile HIV testing service, including sending our testing van to districts in the New Territories such as Tuen Mun, Tin Shui Wai and Tsuen Wan. More testing has also been conducted close to the university campus, bars and one-woman brothels to reach people who live far away from the city centre and people of different age groups and backgrounds. Testing is important because early testing and treatment can reduce the transmission of HIV.
AIDS Concern conducted HIV tests for 753 people in the mobile testing service from April 2015 to March 2016 and identified 4 cases of HIV infection. Among these 753 people using the service, more than 250 (33%) had never been tested for HIV before. This shows that this initiative has allowed the service to reach more people who had never been tested before so that they would know their HIV status and get appropriate support or treatment early.
Assistant Programme Manager of AIDS Concern Kurt Wong said, ‘In view of the large number of new HIV infections this quarter, we urge people who have had unprotected sex to get tested for HIV early. With early diagnosis and early treatment, people living with HIV can lead a life similar to that of non-infected people. Early, proper treatment also reduces the viral load in the body so it is difficult to pass the virus to others.’
The schedule of AIDS Concern’s mobile testing service for June is available on AIDS Concern’s website (https://aidsconcern.org.hk, under ‘News and Promotions’ on the homepage) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/AIDSConcern/). Members of the public can call our testing hotline 2394 6677 for an appointment or enquiries. The testing service is anonymous, confidential and free and comes with pre- and post-test counselling, referral and follow-up services. English speakers are welcome.
For further information, please contact
Annie Li
Officer, Marketing and Communications
AIDS Concern
Tel: 2898 4411 / 9753 9074
annie.li@aidsconcern.org.hk