Update on the HIV/AIDS situation in Singapore 2016 (June 2017)

UPDATE ON THE HIV/AIDS SITUATION IN SINGAPORE 2016 (JUNE 2017)

408 new cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections were reported among Singapore residents¹ in 2016. This brings the total number of HIV-infected Singapore residents to 7,548 as of end 2016, of whom 1,888 had passed away. The number of new cases of HIV infections reported in 2016 is lower than in previous years, where an average of 450 cases had been reported each year since 2008.

Of the 408 cases reported in 2016, 93% were male and 72% were between 20 to 49 years old. About 41% already had late-stage HIV infection² when they were diagnosed. This has remained similar to the 40% recorded in 2015.

Sexual intercourse remains the main mode of HIV transmission with 95% (389 out of 408) of cases acquiring the infection in this manner. Heterosexual sex was the mode of transmission for 36% of all cases, while 52% were from homosexual transmission and 7% from bisexual transmission.

40% of the newly reported cases were detected in the course of medical care provision³. Such cases are typically at the late stage of their HIV infection. Another 27% were detected during routine programmatic HIV screening⁴ and 24% were detected as a result of voluntary HIV screening. Cases detected via voluntary screening are more likely to be at the early stage of their infection. When differentiated by sexual transmission, a higher proportion of homosexuals/bisexuals (38%) had their HIV infection detected via voluntary screening compared to heterosexuals (5%). (Please refer to the Annex for details.)

Public Advisory

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. Those 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.

The Ministry of Health and the Health Promotion Board (HPB) urge individuals who engage in high-risk sexual behaviour to go for early and regular HIV testing. With early diagnosis, an infected person can be treated earlier, and receive counselling on how to protect their partners from infection. Early treatment and care can delay the onset of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and allows the infected individual to live an active and productive life. Early treatment also reduces HIV spread in the community.

HPB has been working with partner organisations to conduct programmes and campaigns targeted at high-risk individuals to urge them to go for regular HIV testing. HPB’s partners conduct various educational outreach programmes on HIV prevention and management using a lifestyle approach. These programmes reach out to at-risk individuals through social settings to encourage them to take protective measures and to go for early and regular HIV testing.

More information about HIV and AIDS can be found at www.healthhub.sg

ANNEX

TABLE 1
NUMBER OF SINGAPORE RESIDENTS REPORTED WITH HIV /AIDS
(1985 – 2016)

TABLE 2
DISTRIBUTION OF HIV/AIDS - INFECTED SINGAPORE RESIDENTS
BY MODES OF TRANSMISSION
(1985 – 2016)

_{*Transmission occurred overseas}

HIV/AIDS - INFECTED SINGAPORE RESIDENTS
BY MARITAL STATUS AND SEX
(1985 – 2016)

TABLE 4
HIV/AIDS - INFECTED SINGAPORE RESIDENTS BY ETHNIC GROUP
(1985 – 2016)

TABLE 5
HIV/AIDS - INFECTED MALE SINGAPORE RESIDENTS BY AGE AND MODES OF TRANSMISSION (1985 – 2016)