Lok Man Leung, Program Manager from Hong Kong Aids Foundation

In Hong Kong, the situation with AIDS shows progress but also ongoing challenges. As of 2023, the Department of Health reported around 10,000 individuals living with HIV. While new infections are decreasing, the prevalence remains higher in high-risk groups, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM), who have the highest rates of HIV.

In discussing notable trends in AIDS in Hong Kong, it's crucial to recognize the challenges and progress within the community.

First of all, Men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to face the highest HIV prevalence in Hong Kong, underscoring the urgent need for intensified prevention efforts and targeted education for this group.

Secondly, the decline in annual new HIV infections is an encouraging development, credited to public health campaigns that have facilitated increased testing and treatment access. Timely detection and intervention continue to be cornerstones in our fight against HIV.

Lastly, efforts to promote HIV testing and raise awareness have yielded positive outcomes, particularly among high-risk groups, fostering a culture of proactive health management through regular screenings for early diagnosis and treatment.

I would like to offer our insights on strategies for preventing HIV/AIDS transmission. This requires a comprehensive approach that involves education as a key component in increasing awareness. It's surprising that sexual education isn't mandatory in secondary schools. We need comprehensive sexual education and public health campaigns to inform the community about HIV transmission, prevention methods, and regular testing. These steps are crucial in reducing new infections.

Moreover, safe sex practices are key. Advocating for condom use and other barrier methods during sexual activities is vital. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is another important tool. By enhancing accessibility and awareness of PrEP for HIV-negative individuals, the risk of infection can be significantly lowered.

Last but not least, regular testing is critical. It's essential for early detection and treatment, particularly for high-risk individuals who should be encouraged to test regularly. By promoting routine testing, we can ensure timely interventions and better manage the spread of the epidemic.

Now, I want to share information on the symptoms of AIDS. AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection, leading to a compromised immune system. Symptoms can include weight loss, fever, fatigue, swollen lymph glands, diarrhea, sores, pneumonia, skin blotches, and neurological issues. Testing is the only definitive way to determine HIV status.

In our work at the Hong Kong AIDS Foundation, particularly within the MSM team, we are committed to enhancing sexual health knowledge and the importance of safe sex practices. We focus heavily on raising awareness about the necessity of regular HIV and STD testing and actively promote the use of PrEP among at-risk groups. These groups include not only MSM but also female sex workers and their clients, as well as individuals who are sexually active with multiple partners.

One of our major challenges is overcoming the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS, which can significantly hinder community outreach and education efforts. Additionally, logistical challenges such as funding limitations and resource allocation also pose significant barriers to expanding our reach and effectiveness in these crucial areas.

To further combat the spread of HIV and enhance public health safety, we urge the government to provide more robust support to NGOs like ours. This includes not only funding support but also efforts to enhance overall sexual health education across various community sectors. Raising public awareness about safe sex and the importance of regular testing is critical.

Furthermore, we recommend that the government sponsor or subsidize PrEP for all at-risk groups. This proactive approach in preventative health could significantly reduce new HIV infections and better protect our communities. Implementing these measures with strong governmental backing and public engagement can make a substantial difference in the fight against AIDS.

Lastly, I would like to dedicate a song "These Are the Days of Our Lives" by Queen.