Last year, the city had its highest annual total of HIV/AIDS cases in the past three decades, according to the Department of Health.
A total of 725 new HIV infections – with 110 of those developing into AIDS – were reported to the Centre of Health Protection in 2015. In 2014, there were only 651 new HIV cases.
Overall, the number of cases has been on the rise ever since 1984 (the year data was first recorded), with the primary route of transmission being sexual intercourse; 14 newly reported cases were transmitted through drug injection and the remaining two through perinatal transmission.
More than half of the cases have been acquired via homosexual or bisexual intercourse, with most of the patients being young gay men.
The higher numbers may be attributed to the fact that there is heightened awareness about the disease, resulting in an increase in HIV testing within the community. According to SCMP, about 60 percent of gay men were tested for HIV in 2014.
However, this does not entirely justify the increased numbers. CHP consultant Dr. Wong Ka-Hing suggests there has also been a genuine increase in the number of infections.
Despite preventive measures being carried out over the years, unsafe sex withstands as the major risk factor accounting for most of the HIV cases. Wong stresses the importance of proper condom use to avoid contracting the virus, which can develop into AIDS if left untreated.
Several NGOs in Hong Kong, such as AIDS Concern and Hong Kong AIDS Foundation, continue to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS, and support people living with the virus, while providing testing services for the public.
