Last year, Singapore recorded a total of 166 citizens and permanent residents who contracted the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which can lead to AIDS, up from 151 cases the previous year. More than half of the new cases were already at an advanced stage of infection at the time of diagnosis, highlighting the importance of early public testing.
According to a report by Lianhe Zaobao, Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, and for Health, Rahayu Mahzam, said in her speech at the Singapore HIV, Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections Congress on the 23rd that Singapore has made steady progress in addressing HIV over the past decade.
Before 2024, the annual average of new cases exceeded 200. As of the end of last year, the cumulative number of known HIV-positive residents in Singapore stood at 7,248.
HIV attacks the human immune system, and if not treated in time, may progress to AIDS, that is, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
According to data from the Infectious Diseases Management Division, of the 166 new cases, 160 (96.4%) were male; 92 had already progressed to advanced HIV infection at the time of diagnosis.
Sexual activity remains the main route of HIV transmission, accounting for 161 cases. Of these, infections via male-to-male sexual contact comprised over half, totaling 94 cases; heterosexual contact accounted for 54 cases; bisexual contact accounted for 13 cases.
Most cases were discovered upon seeking medical care
Of the 166 new infections, 108 were only discovered when consulting a doctor; another 19 were found through self-testing, with most diagnosed at an earlier stage.
Rahayu said that currently nearly 90% of local HIV-positive individuals are aware of their condition; among confirmed patients, about 96% are receiving treatment; and among those receiving treatment, nearly 94% have achieved successful viral suppression in their bodies.
Before 2024, the annual average of new cases exceeded 200. As of the end of last year, the cumulative number of known HIV-positive residents in Singapore stood at 7,248.
HIV attacks the human immune system, and if not treated in time, may progress to AIDS, that is, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
According to data from the Infectious Diseases Management Division, of the 166 new cases, 160 (96.4%) were male; 92 had already progressed to advanced HIV infection at the time of diagnosis.
Sexual activity remains the main route of HIV transmission, accounting for 161 cases. Of these, infections via male-to-male sexual contact comprised over half, totaling 94 cases; heterosexual contact accounted for 54 cases; bisexual contact accounted for 13 cases.
Most cases were discovered upon seeking medical care
Of the 166 new infections, 108 were only discovered when consulting a doctor; another 19 were found through self-testing, with most diagnosed at an earlier stage.
Rahayu said that currently nearly 90% of local HIV-positive individuals are aware of their condition; among confirmed patients, about 96% are receiving treatment; and among those receiving treatment, nearly 94% have achieved successful viral suppression in their bodies.