Taiwan HIV infections decrease 11%

台灣愛滋病感染病例下降11%

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — New HIV infections in Taiwan fell 11.2% year-on-year as of the end of September, according to Lin Hsi-hsun (林錫勳) of the Infectious Diseases Society of Taiwan.

Lin presented the data on Monday at a press conference in Taipei ahead of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, where panelists highlighted progress in prevention and ongoing challenges, per CNA.

Lin said Taiwan’s AIDS prevention efforts have been a regional model, noting that three key HIV prevention indicators exceeded global averages. However, he said more work is needed to reach groups who know they are infected but avoid treatment. Reducing stigma and improving access to information and testing remain crucial, he said.

Lin emphasized that people living with HIV who take antiretroviral drugs daily can achieve an undetectable viral load, preventing sexual transmission to partners, a standard known as “U=U” (undetectable = untransmittable).

Dr. Hsieh Szu-min (謝思民) of National Taiwan University Hospital said achieving U=U is now possible with consistent antiviral therapy, but individual differences in physical condition and lifestyle mean treatment must be tailored. Shared decision-making between doctors and patients, he said, helps improve adherence.

Ko Nai-ying (柯乃熒), chair of the Taiwan AIDS Nurses Association, said many patients feel anxious or disoriented when first diagnosed or when switching treatments. “If you don’t know their backstory, you may just think, why aren’t the patients coming?” she said. Ko added that case managers play an essential role as “listeners,” helping patients talk through obstacles and find suitable treatment plans.

Yeh Po-tsen (葉柏岑), secretary-general of the We As One Foundation, said stigma remains widespread, leading many newly diagnosed individuals to worry, “Will my life change after I start taking this medication?” Some fear reporting side effects to their doctors, he said, which can lead to inconsistent medication use and poorer viral load control.

Panelists highlighted the case of a man in his 40s who repeatedly missed follow-up appointments despite knowing he needed regular checkups and medication. A nurse discovered he worked delivering vegetables from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m., leaving him too exhausted to reach the hospital during normal hours. After coordination with the medical team, he was able to schedule blood tests and medication pickups during his lunch break, resolving the issue.

The panel said the example reflected the importance of communication, flexibility, and support systems to ensure patients can maintain consistent and effective treatment.