Update on the HIV/AIDS situation in Singapore 2013

Characteristics of new cases of HIV infection reported in 2013

1. In 2013, 454 new cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections were reported among Singapore residents[1]. This brings the total number of HIV infected Singapore residents to 6,229 as of end 2013, of whom 1,671 had died.

2. Sexual transmission remains the main mode of HIV transmission among Singapore residents. Of the 454 cases reported in 2013, 428 cases acquired the infection through the sexual route, with heterosexual transmission accounting for 40% of infections, homosexual transmission 46% and bisexual transmission 8%. Intravenous drug use (4 cases) accounted for 1% of infections.

3. Almost half of the new cases reported in 2013 were between 30 and 49 years of age.

4. About 94% of the new cases were males. Approximately 66% of all new reported cases were single, 23% were married and 9% were divorced or separated. 68% of the males were single, compared to 31% among the females.

5. In 2013, 41% of the new cases already had late-stage HIV infection[2] when they were diagnosed.

6. About 46% of the new cases in 2013 had their HIV infection detected when testing was performed in the course of medical care provision[3]. Another 25% were detected during routine programmatic HIV screening[4] while another 20% were detected as a result of voluntary HIV screening. The rest were detected as through other types of screenings. When differentiated by sexual transmission, a higher proportion of homosexuals/bisexuals (30%) had their HIV infection detected via voluntary screening compared to heterosexuals (9%). Annex A provides detailed data on the cases reported in 2013.

Public advisory

7. The most effective way to prevent HIV infection is to remain faithful to one’s spouse/partner and to avoid casual sex, or sex with sex workers. Persons engaging in high-risk sexual behaviour, such as having multiple sexual partners or engaging in casual or commercial sex, are strongly advised to use condoms to reduce their risk of HIV infection. Condoms should be used consistently and correctly during every sexual encounter.

8. MOH and the Health Promotion Board (HPB) urge individuals at risk of HIV infection to go for regular HIV testing. Regular HIV testing can help an infected person to be diagnosed at an earlier stage of infection. With early diagnosis, a HIV positive person can access care and treatment earlier, and also receive counseling on how to protect their partners from infection.

9. HPB has been working with partner organisations to conduct programmes and campaigns targeted at high-risk individuals to urge them to go for early and regular HIV testing. HPB’s partners conduct various educational outreach programmes on HIV prevention and management by adopting a strategy that appeals to the target audience. This approach uses elements of edutainment infused with public health messages. This assists in making the messages relevant to the target audience. These programmes reach out to at-risk individuals through social settings to encourage them to take personal proactive measures and have regular HIV testing, so as to allow for early detection and treatment, delay the onset of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and ensure an active and productive life.

10. More information about HIV and AIDS can be found at the HPB website at http://www.hpb.gov.sg.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

[1] Singapore citizens and permanent residents

[2] CD4+ cell count of less than 200 per cu mm or AIDS-defining opportunistic infections or both.

[3] Includes cases that presented with HIV-specific symptoms and cases with non-HIV related medical conditions

[4] Includes screening programmes for individuals with sexually transmitted infections, hospital inpatients and those identified through contact tracing

ANNEX A

Table 1

Number of Singapore residents reported with HIV/AIDS (1985 - 2013)

* per million resident population.

Table 2

Distribution of HIV/AIDS - Infected Singapore residents by modes of transmission (1985 - 2013)

Table 3

HIV/AIDS - Infected Singapore residents by marital status and sex (1985 - 2013)

Table 4

HIV/AIDS - Infected Singapore residents by ethnic group (1985 - 2013)

Table 5

HIV/AIDS - Infected male Singapore residents by age and modes of transmission (1985 – 2013)