Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board Urge At-Risk Groups to go for Regular HIV Testing

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HEALTH PROMOTION BOARD URGE AT-RISK GROUPS TO GO FOR REGULAR HIV TESTING 

           A total of 361 new cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections were reported among Singapore residents[1] in the first 10 months (January – October) of 2017. 

2.        Of these, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has analysed 194 cases reported in the first 6 months (January – June) of 2017. Of these cases:

            (i) 96% were male;

            (ii) Nearly half (46%) were aged 20 to 39 years; and

            (iii) About 42% had late-stage HIV infection[2] when they were diagnosed. This is a slight increase from 38% for the same period last year.

3.        Sexual intercourse remains the main mode of HIV transmission, accounting for 97% of the 194 cases. Heterosexual transmission was the mode of transmission for 34% of all cases while 53% were from homosexual transmission and 10% were from bisexual transmission.

4.        About 43% of the newly reported cases were detected by HIV tests done in the course of medical care. Another 28% were detected during routine programmatic HIV screening[3] while 25% were detected through voluntary HIV screening. The rest were detected through other types of screening[4]. A higher proportion of homosexuals/bisexuals (32%) had their HIV infection detected via voluntary screening compared to heterosexuals (14%).

5.        Annex A [PDF, 665KB] provides detailed data for the cases reported. Information on newly reported HIV cases is regularly updated on the MOH website.

Public Advisory

6.        The most effective way to prevent HIV infection is to remain faithful to one’s spouse/partner and to avoid casual sex, and sex with sex workers. Persons engaging in high-risk sexual behaviour, such as having multiple sexual partners or engaging in casual or commercial sex, are strongly advised to use condoms to reduce their risk of HIV infection. Condoms should be used consistently and correctly during every sexual encounter.

7.        MOH and the Health Promotion Board (HPB) urge individuals at risk of HIV infection to go for regular HIV testing. Regular HIV testing can help diagnose an infected person at an early stage of infection. Early diagnosis allows for early treatment and care, and provides the opportunity for those infected to learn about protecting their partners from infection.  With early and effective treatment, persons living with HIV can delay the onset of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and continue to lead an active and productive life.

8.        HPB has been working with partner organisations to conduct programmes and campaigns targeted at high-risk individuals, to encourage them to take proactive measures such as going for early and regular HIV testing. Adopting a lifestyle-based approach, these programmes engage high-risk individuals via social settings to increase the targeted reach.

9.        Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Health and the Environment and Water Resources, said: “People living with HIV continue to face stigma and discrimination in various aspects of their lives. Many are diagnosed when they are in their prime working age, and most feel that they are likely to be discriminated against or lose their jobs if their employers were to find out about their HIV diagnosis. Ensuring equal access to employment and job opportunities is a significant part of putting a stop to the HIV epidemic. I am pleased that the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), together with HPB and Tan Tock Seng Hospital, will be launching an implementation guide on workplace HIV practices, building on SNEF’s Guidelines on Workplace Practices pertaining to HIV.  I urge all employers to work with us on this. A supportive environment is crucial to help us successfully address any stigmatisation and discrimination at the workplace.”

MINISTRY OF HEALTH & HEALTH PROMOTION BOARD

1 DECEMBER 2017

[1] Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents. 

[2] CD4+ cell count of less than 200 per mm3 or AIDS-defining opportunistic infections or both. 

[3] Includes screening programmes for individuals with sexually transmitted infections, hospital inpatients and those identified through contact tracing 

[4] For instance, general health screening, medical checks for employment, insurance, etc.