SINGAPORE: Action for AIDS, a community-based organisation, is focusing on getting heterosexuals to understand the importance to screen for HIV infection, as part of efforts to educate the public.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health (MOH) showed that only 2 per cent of heterosexuals found out that they were infected during voluntary screening, compared with 27 per cent of homosexuals.
The MOH statistics also showed total number of HIV tests done last year increased by more than 15,000 to hit some 194,000.
In 2009, the number of tests done was 178,221 while in 2010, it went up to 193,749.
In the first 10 months of this year, another 370 new HIV cases were reported among Singapore residents.
More will also be done to educate those in the 20-29 age group, which has seen an increase in the number of infections.
Last year, there were 71 residents belonging to this age group infected with HIV/AIDS - an increase of six cases compared to the year before.
Donovan Lo, executive director at Action for AIDS, said: "If you compare now to the past decade, they are more sexually active now. They explore sex earlier.
"And education-wise, parents and schools are not comfortable in imparting the knowledge and they may not be comfortable to answer questions.
The important message of screening for HIV infection will be shared through some 200 KTV clubs and hotels at Beach Road, Kampung Bahru and Joo Chiat. Getai shows will be held in the Geylang and Joo Chiat areas to reach out to elderly heterosexuals.
Action for AIDS is also discussing with the operator of Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to provide condoms and coupons for free HIV testing to target at another group of Singaporeans who go to Batam for sex.
" A lot of heterosexuals who are diagnosed are the elderly aged 50 plus. They may already have the HIV infection 10 years ago and this group of people are not really well educated in terms of sexual education.
"Some of them already feel they are at that later age, so why should they go and stress themselves out and know more about their status because it's a fear that they aren't able to afford the medication," Donovan Lo said.
The DSC Clinic at Kelantan Lane is just one of seven clinics that where HIV/AIDS testing is done. The entire process takes only about 30 minutes and test results can be obtained almost immediately.
- CNA/ck
Statistics from the Ministry of Health (MOH) showed that only 2 per cent of heterosexuals found out that they were infected during voluntary screening, compared with 27 per cent of homosexuals.
The MOH statistics also showed total number of HIV tests done last year increased by more than 15,000 to hit some 194,000.
In 2009, the number of tests done was 178,221 while in 2010, it went up to 193,749.
In the first 10 months of this year, another 370 new HIV cases were reported among Singapore residents.
More will also be done to educate those in the 20-29 age group, which has seen an increase in the number of infections.
Last year, there were 71 residents belonging to this age group infected with HIV/AIDS - an increase of six cases compared to the year before.
Donovan Lo, executive director at Action for AIDS, said: "If you compare now to the past decade, they are more sexually active now. They explore sex earlier.
"And education-wise, parents and schools are not comfortable in imparting the knowledge and they may not be comfortable to answer questions.
The important message of screening for HIV infection will be shared through some 200 KTV clubs and hotels at Beach Road, Kampung Bahru and Joo Chiat. Getai shows will be held in the Geylang and Joo Chiat areas to reach out to elderly heterosexuals.
Action for AIDS is also discussing with the operator of Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to provide condoms and coupons for free HIV testing to target at another group of Singaporeans who go to Batam for sex.
" A lot of heterosexuals who are diagnosed are the elderly aged 50 plus. They may already have the HIV infection 10 years ago and this group of people are not really well educated in terms of sexual education.
"Some of them already feel they are at that later age, so why should they go and stress themselves out and know more about their status because it's a fear that they aren't able to afford the medication," Donovan Lo said.
The DSC Clinic at Kelantan Lane is just one of seven clinics that where HIV/AIDS testing is done. The entire process takes only about 30 minutes and test results can be obtained almost immediately.
- CNA/ck
