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The Director of Health, Dr Constance Chan, today (November 30) appealed to members of the public and community partners for joint efforts of continued vigilance, prevention and control of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) as well as providing those infected with support and acceptance.
Addressing the "Safe Journey" drama premiere cum ceremony for World AIDS Day (WAD) 2013 co-organised by the Department of Health (DH) and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), Dr Chan said she hoped the event, part of an array of local initiatives against HIV/AIDS, could raise public awareness on the issue.
"Local HIV infections are on the rise. As of the third quarter this year, the cumulative total of reported HIV infections has reached 6,198. In 2012, 513 newly infected cases were filed, showing a 17 per cent increase compared with 2011. Sexual contact has remained the major mode of HIV transmission while about half of the cases involved men who have sex with men (MSM). Analysed by age, in the first three quarters of this year, youngsters aged from 20 to 29 accounted for 28 per cent of all newly infected cases, which is higher than that of last year," Dr Chan said.
"We are concerned that some of the HIV-infected were diagnosed and treated very late, as around 90 per cent of AIDS patients knew about their infection status less than three months beforehand, according to figures from the DH," she said.
"Anti-viral treatment can effectively control HIV infection, while early diagnosis and treatment can reduce further transmission and improve patients' health. The DH and various non-governmental organisations have been providing free HIV tests, and the private sector also offers relevant services," she added.
"Safe Journey", a production fully made by youngsters, is a drama which sheds light on the anxiety faced by the HIV-infected, with a view to promoting safe sex, early diagnosis and treatment. The ceremony this evening also highlighted four international prizes awarded to "Love. Zero AIDS", a microfilm produced for WAD 2012. Dr Chan extended her congratulations to all members of the production and commended them for their outstanding achievements.
"The government will continue to work with community partners in combating HIV/AIDS and supporting those infected to live a healthy life with dignity. We will also collaborate with health authorities of the Mainland, Macao, neighbouring regions and international partners to control the epidemic," Dr Chan reiterated.
Designated on December 1 every year, WAD brings people together worldwide to fight against HIV/AIDS and demonstrates international solidarity in curbing the pandemic. To tie in with WAD 2013, in addition to the "Safe Journey" drama, the DH has launched a series of radio programmes with RTHK targeting MSM, university students and youngsters at large. Condom mascots promoting safe sex and HIV testing also helped in community activities.
Other officiating guests at the ceremony today included the wife of the Chief Executive and Patron of the Red Ribbon Centre (RRC) of the DH, Mrs Regina Leung; the Under Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan; the Controller of the DH's Centre for Health Protection, Dr Leung Ting-hung; the Assistant Director of Broadcasting (Radio and Corporate Programming), Mr Philip Chow; the Director of Disease Control and Prevention Department of the Health, Population and Family Planning Commission of Shenzhen Municipality, Dr Lin Hancheng; the Secretary General of the AIDS Prevention and Control Commission of Macao, Dr Lam Chong; the Chairman of the Council for the AIDS Trust Fund, Dr Matthew Ng; and the Chairman of the RRC Management Advisory Committee, Dr Richard Tan.
Ends/Saturday, November 30, 2013
Issued at HKT 21:09
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