HONG KONG: The rate of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection arising from male homosexual encounters continues to climb. The findings for the third quarter of 2009 were reported by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) yesterday, World AIDS Day.

A total of 123 cases of HIV infections were reported in the third quarter of 2009 to the CHP bringing the cumulative total of reported HIV infections to 325 this year. Among the 123 reported cases comprising 91 males and 32 females, about 44 cases were transmitted via homosexual contact.

The incidence of transmission through male-male sexual encounters (MSM) is increasing with reported cases of 40 and 35 recorded in the first and second quarters of 2009.

Consultant (Special Preventive Programme) of CHP Wong Ka-hing said yesterday at the press conference that the number of MSM transmission had been increasing since 2005 yet the clear reason for the increase was unknown.

"Since 2005, the number of MSM transmissions has been increasing," said Wong, "It happens not only in Hong Kong but also in places in Asia Pacific region and the whole world."

He said MSM is an important avenue for transmitting HIV infection. His thoughts parallel information released by the World Health Organisation showing that in western European countries, MSM plays a significant role in the HIV epidemic accounting for about 50 percent of all HIV infections.

Wong said that sexual transmission continued to be the major mode of HIV spread in Hong Kong. He stressed the importance of using condoms and practicing safer sex, to reduce the risk of HIV infection.

"HIV is the cause of AIDS and, without treatment, half of the HIV-infected people will progress to AIDS within 10 years," said Wong.

He urged people who have a history of unprotected sex to call the DH's AIDS Hotline at 2780 2211 for a free, anonymous and confidential HIV test.

Besides the 44 cases acquired the infection via homosexual contact, 28 of the 123 HIV cases reported acquired the infection via heterosexual contact, two bisexual contact, and two through drug injection. The routes of transmission of the remaining 47 cases were yet undetermined due to inadequate information.

Wong said despite the increasing reports on MSM transmission, other routes of transmission should not be neglected, such as injecting drug use.

(HK Edition 12/02/2009 page1)