6/27 National Testing Day, Taiwan

Taiwan 6/27 National HIV Testing Day

Preface
The objective of promoting “6/27 National HIV Testing Day” is to bring publics’ awareness towards AIDS and better health. AIDS prevention should not only be reinforced in December but every single day; and that HIV testing should be as convenient as doing a HBV test – easy, safe, private and important.

Until September 2010, there are over 20,000 reported cases of individuals living with HIV. Averages of 100 new cases are reported each month. This has brought great burden to individuals, family and society. It has been estimated that an equal number of individuals are unaware of that they are infected. They potentially help spreading the virus. An early discovery and intervention not only slows the progress of the illness but also protects one’s family members. It has also been shown that an infection of up to 10,000 people can be prevented if HIV testing is increased to 90% in the high-risk population, which also save budgets of 140 billion Taiwan dollars.

National HIV Testing Day on the 27th of June originated from the National Association of People With AIDS (NAPWA), in the United States.  The association encourages high-risk individuals to take HIV testing and consultation every year.  Currently there are several thousand services across the states. On every 27th of June, the association provides services, which include health checks, guidance (via public media) and condom usage promotion in local community.

Two out of three individual living with HIV are aged below 25, worldwide. More than 70% of individuals living with HIV in Taiwan are aged between 20 and 39.

Respond to AIDS 2010 : Taiwan 6/27 National HIV Testing Day Conference Hub