Taiwan CDC reports 5% rise in HIV cases, launches self-test promotion

Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports a 5% increase in new HIV diagnoses compared to the same period last year, with 537 new cases reported as of the end of July. Approximately 80% of these new infections involve young adults under the age of 44. The primary cause of infection remains unsafe sexual practices.

To address the issue and align with UNAIDS goals, the CDC has launched a promotional campaign to encourage testing. From September 4 to September 18, the agency is offering a ‘buy one, get one free’ promotion on HIV self-testing kits available through their official website for convenience store pickup.

Health officials emphasize that early detection is critical as initial symptoms may be absent. Those who test positive via self-screening are urged to seek confirmatory testing at designated medical institutions, where registration fees and co-payments may be subsidized. The CDC also highlighted the ‘Undetectable = Untransmittable’ (U=U) principle, noting that stable treatment can reduce viral loads to levels where the virus is not transmitted through sexual contact.