In 2024, Taiwan saw a rise in new HIV infections, recording 1,002 cases after having dropped below 1,000 cases for the first time in two decades in 2023. This information was announced by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on Thursday. Over 90% of these infections were linked to unsafe sex practices, and 85% of the cases occurred in individuals under the age of 45.
In response to the increase, the CDC has expanded its HIV rapid self-testing program, which served over 84,000 individuals in 2024—a record high. The program aims to provide convenient, private, and accessible testing options for the public. To further encourage testing, the CDC has launched a special Valentine's Day promotion running from February 14 to February 28, offering a "buy one, get one free" deal on self-testing kits with free shipping.
The CDC has also maintained its anonymous HIV testing services across 95 medical institutions nationwide. Twelve of these facilities offer one-stop rapid testing services, providing results within 30 minutes using the latest HIV antigen/antibody combination rapid test kits. These centers also offer immediate counseling and referral services for those who test positive. Health officials highlight the importance of safe sex practices and regular testing, particularly for those engaging in high-risk behaviors. They recommend annual testing for sexually active individuals and more frequent testing every 3-6 months for those with multiple partners or other risk factors. The CDC continues to promote the use of condoms with water-based lubricants as essential preventive measures.