Fighting Aids in Hong Kong hinges on affordable, locally relevant strategies

Despite our decade-long efforts, HIV infections have continued to rise, most noticeably among young men who have sex with men (MSM).

Drug abuse, inconsistent condom use, inadequate testing and coverage of treatment, and discrimination against at-risk groups are key factors for this worrying trend.

The Advisory Council on Aids has just released its Recommended HIV/Aids Strategies for Hong Kong (2017-2021), setting out its updated measures for key populations. MSM and people living with HIV are two primary targets.

While annual HIV testing is urged for MSM, they should also use condoms consistently for their regular and casual partners. Treatment saves lives and prevents onward transmission.

The international common goal which also applies to Hong Kong is that, by 2020, 90 per cent of people living with HIV would have been diagnosed, 90 per cent of those diagnosed would receive treatment, and 90 per cent of those on treatment would have their viral load suppressed.

Other community groups including people who inject drugs, ethnic minorities, male-to-female transgenders, and female sex workers and their clients, can potentially become contributors to the local HIV epidemic. Our strategies also have clear targets for them.