HIV/AIDS in Taiwan - Epidemiology

Epidemiology

The first reported case was reported in December 1984 on a foreign transit traveler. The first local infection was reported on February 1986.

According to the statistics of Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control, as of February 2012, there were 22,296 cases of Taiwanese becoming infected with HIV.

Of all cases:

• 92.6% are male, 7.4% female
• 39.36% are 20–29 years old
• 30% are drug users, 39% homosexuals, 21% heterosexuals

Another 810 foreigners have tested positive, most of whom have been deported by the Taiwan government. The CDC has not published an analysis of foreigners who tested positive.

The ratio of patients of drug users increases rapidly. Since 1984, incidence of infections through sexual contacts had accounted for 90% of all cases for most of time. But in 2005, drug using patients accounted for more than 50%. To prevent the disease from spreading to general population rapidly, the CDC announced the "Harm Reduction Pilot Projects for IDUs". The program includes expansion of the existing education and rehabilitation network, and the establishment of a harm reduction program unprecedented to the country.