Update and projection on HIV/AIDS in Taiwan.

Abstract The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Taiwan started in 1986, with 5,221 cases of HIV infections, 1,596 cases of AIDS, and 911 deaths reported through 2003. National surveillance data indicate that men who have sex with men accounted for 48.2% of HIV infections, followed by heterosexual men (33.8%) and heterosexual women (6.1%). Only 353 (6.8%) of all HIV cases are females. The average age of HIV-infected persons, AIDS cases, and deaths was 31.2, 36.2, and 39.0 years, respectively. The incidence of HIV infection has increased by approximately 15% every year since 1997. The continuing epidemic will likely burden the national health care system and may result in an estimated socioeconomic loss of U.S.$1.6 billion in 2010, as 15,125 HIV infections and 1,420 deaths from AIDS are projected. To respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Taiwan, the government has been working with nongovernmental organizations to promote HIV testing, conduct various education programs, and reach out to high-risk groups. HIV/AIDS patients ...