Welcome address by Associate Professor Pek Wee Yang, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Communicable Diseases Agency, at the Singapore HIV, Hepatitis & Sexually Transmitted Infections Congress, 23 May 2026

Mdm Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information and Ministry of Health

Esteemed clinicians, researchers, and colleagues

Distinguished speakers, delegates and guests

Ladies and gentlemen

Good morning and welcome to the Singapore HIV, Hepatitis & Sexually Transmitted Infections Congress 2026, or SHHSC for short. We are honoured to have Mdm Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information and Ministry of Health, with us today. We are gathered to reaffirm our collective commitment to tackling human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B and C, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as public health priorities.

From HIV Congress to integrated approach

Today marks an important milestone in how we approach these interconnected health challenges. The annual Singapore HIV Congress, first convened by the National HIV Programme under the National Centre for Infectious Diseases, has long been a vital forum for knowledge exchange and advancing HIV care in Singapore.

With the establishment of the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA), we continue to build on this strong foundation. We have now broadened the scope of the Congress to include Hepatitis B and C, and well as other STIs. This expansion reflects the reality that these conditions share transmission pathways, prevention strategies and care models. They therefore require a unified approach. In the same vein, at CDA, we have consolidated policy, surveillance, response, and programme development functions for bloodborne and sexually transmitted infections within a single division, underscoring our commitment to a coordinated and holistic approach.

The need for broader dialogue on HIV, Hepatitis and STIs has become increasingly clear. While these conditions have a profound impact on public health, discussions and awareness often remain confined to directly affected groups, leaving gaps in understanding across wider communities. By bringing together more than 150 clinicians, researchers, international delegates and community partners to connect, learn and share knowledge, this Congress aims to foster collaborative solutions that advance prevention and care strategies for HIV, Hepatitis and STIs.

Collaborations and partnerships

The theme for this year’s Congress, "Charting the Path Forward: New Beginnings Through Collaboration", reflects our conviction that collaborations and partnerships are essential. Government agencies, healthcare providers, researchers and community partners each play a vital role in ensuring that prevention, treatment, and support reach those who need them most.

Singapore plays an active role in advancing HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and STI management. At CDA, we consistently contribute to global reporting platforms by sharing our policies, data, trends, and best practices with international counterparts. These collaborations also allow us to learn from diverse approaches across different healthcare systems and community engagement models, so that we can adapt successful strategies to strengthen our local response and build capacity to respond to evolving challenges.  

CDA is committed to collaborative learning and the exchange of ideas to drive excellence in public health. We have invited distinguished experts to share their knowledge with our community. Today, we welcome two keynote speakers whose expertise exemplifies how collaboration and innovation can shape the future of healthcare. Professor Eric Chow, Head of Melbourne Sexual Health Centre will speak on redesigning HIV and sexual healthcare in the era of artificial intelligence, offering insights into how technology can transform service delivery and patient engagement. Associate Professor Dr Raja Iskandar Shah, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Research in Infectious Diseases of AIDS, University Malaya, will share on the integrated management of HIV, STIs, Hepatitis and other comorbidities, highlighting how multidisciplinary approaches can strengthen outcomes. Their perspectives will enable us to learn from international best practices, adapt innovations, and deepen collaborations to enhance our collective response.

Our work is fundamentally guided by evidence. We invest in research that informs policy and practice, and adopt technologies that improve detection, treatment, and prevention. Early detection remains our strongest defense. Our surveillance system relies on healthcare professionals and laboratories on the frontline, supported by community partners who reach at-risk populations. Together, these partnerships ensure that cases are identified quickly and managed effectively, reducing impact on individuals and the wider community.

This collaborative approach also extends to our work with healthcare providers and community organisations in developing practical guidance documents such as the HIV Testing Recommendations and the Primary Care Recommendations for People Living with HIV. These guidelines aim to increase testing uptake, ensure early detection among at-risk individuals and improve the quality of care for people living with HIV. They are publicly available on the CDA website, supporting practitioners and partners in strengthening Singapore’s collective response.

Acknowledgements and looking ahead

As we launch this expanded Congress, we recognise that the challenges in HIV, Hepatitis, and STI prevention continue to evolve. New technologies present opportunities for prevention and treatment, while shifting social dynamics demand adaptive approaches to reach diverse populations. We must remain steadfast in reaching underserved communities, addressing stigma and ensuring affordable access for all who need it.

I want to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who has made this Congress possible and who continue to advance work in these important areas – our international speakers, healthcare professionals, community partners and delegates. Your presence embodies the collaborative spirit essential for addressing health challenges that transcend borders.   

The discussions and collaborations today reflect the breadth of knowledge we must harness to chart our path forward. Through evidence-based approaches, innovative solutions, and inclusive partnerships, we can strengthen our collective response to these pressing health challenges. The real value of this Congress lies in the connections and the partnerships you will forge. Thank you.