HIV infections increase by 900 annually, with foreigners accounting for 10%; treatment subsidies to include 2 more foreigner categories

(CNA reporter Chen Jie-ling, Taipei, June 29) In recent years, approximately 900 new HIV infections have been reported annually, with foreigners making up 10% of the total. Today, Director-General of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Chou Jih-haw announced that the scope of HIV treatment cost subsidies will be expanded to include two additional categories of foreign nationals. It is estimated that this will benefit an additional 2 to 11 individuals annually, with implementation expected by the end of this year at the earliest.

July 2nd marks Taiwan's U=U Day. The Taiwan AIDS Society and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Welfare's CDC and community groups, today jointly held a kick-off ceremony for a health education promotion vehicle. The event aims to deepen public understanding of the scientific evidence behind U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable), emphasizing that the probability of transmission with U=U is 0, meaning it cannot be transmitted.

Speaking today, Chou Jih-haw stated that Taiwan sees approximately 800 to 900 new HIV infections annually, with foreign HIV-infected individuals averaging 106 new cases per year over the past five years, accounting for about 10% of the national total. While the number of Taiwanese HIV-infected individuals continues to decline, the number of foreign infected individuals has not shown a downward trend. However, current HIV treatment cost subsidies have limitations for foreign infected individuals.

According to Article 3 of the "Regulations on Subsidies for Treatment Costs of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infected Persons," the government only subsidizes three categories of legally residing foreign nationals. The first category includes foreign spouses; the second category covers individuals from the Thai-Myanmar project and Tibetan individuals residing in Taiwan; and the third category includes foreign nationals infected during medical treatment in Taiwan. Other foreign nationals must pay NT$12,000 to NT$18,000 per month out-of-pocket for medical treatment and medication.

Chou Jih-haw said that the CDC reported to the "Policy Group Meeting of the AIDS Prevention and Care for Infected Persons Committee of the Ministry of Health and Welfare" on May 28th, and it was agreed to amend Article 3 of the "Regulations on Subsidies for Treatment Costs of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infected Persons." Two additional categories of foreign nationals will be included as subsidy recipients. "This is a small step towards equality for infected individuals," he said, expressing hope to align with neighboring developed countries.

Chou Jih-haw indicated that the two additional categories to be included in the subsidies are foreign nationals who have obtained permanent residency in the Republic of China and foreign nationals under 18 years of age who are legally residing in Taiwan. It is estimated that this will increase the number of subsidized individuals by 2 to 11 annually, with an increase in financial expenditure of NT$1 million to NT$5.5 million, which is within the budget's affordability.

Chou Jih-haw added that including foreign infected individuals in the treatment and tracking system can achieve U=U through treatment, thereby reducing new infections. The amended regulations will be submitted to the CDC's Legal Affairs Working Group in July for confirmation. A 60-day public comment period is expected in August to gather opinions from all sectors. If consensus is reached smoothly, it is anticipated that the regulations will be announced and implemented by the end of this year.

Lu Po-liang, Chairman of the Taiwan AIDS Society, pointed out that over the past decade, large-scale clinical studies published in authoritative international medical journals have consistently shown that when HIV-infected individuals receive stable antiviral treatment and achieve an undetectable viral load, the probability of HIV transmission through sexual contact is 0, not "extremely low" or "almost never," but "never."

Lu Po-liang stated that approximately 8% of infected individuals have not yet undergone testing or treatment. He hopes that these individuals will understand that current HIV treatment medications only require taking one pill daily, with significantly improved efficacy and fewer side effects. He encourages infected individuals to bravely undergo screening and treatment, emphasizing that with regular medication, they can return to a normal life, love and be loved, and further eliminate fear of the disease and social discrimination.

Lin Yi-hui, Secretary-General of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, said that societal awareness of U=U has been gradually increasing, but most discussions and impacts are still concentrated in Taipei City. This year, through the U=U health education promotion vehicle touring the six major cities, the aim is to bring the correct understanding that "the probability of transmission is 0" to more cities and communities, so that understanding is no longer limited to a minority group and breaks through existing echo chambers. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150629

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