As Chinese Valentine’s Day approaches, while enjoying the romantic atmosphere, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) reminds the public to avoid unsafe sex practices and use condoms throughout the entire sex act to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

According to the surveillance data compiled by Taiwan CDC, as of the end of June, 2010, the number of Taiwanese people infected with HIV is 19,152.According to the results of the risk factor analysis, 64.9% of the people became infected with HIV through unsafe sex practices (42.4% found in homosexuals and 22.5% found in heterosexuals), which shows that unsafe sex practice is the primary route of HIV transmission.Furthermore, 37.8% of the HIV-infected people age between 20 and 29.35.4% of the infected people age between 30 and 39.

Over the recent years, Taiwan CDC has noted a gradual increase in the number of HIV-infected people aged between 15 and 24.Additionally, in 2009, a 17.7% increase in the number of new cases from that in 2008 was observed.More than 90% of the new cases became infected with HIV through unsafe sex practices and 78.2% were homosexuals.

According to a survey conducted by Taiwan CDC in November, 2009, about 60.8% of males aged between 15 and 59 did not use a condom at their first intercourse and 56.9% of this group did not use a condom at their most recent intercourse.The survey results illustrates that further promotion of condom use among the general public is needed.

Taiwan CDC stresses that people are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors under the influence of illicit drugs, especially when they are in an arousing atmosphere and the power of self-control and self-defense is diminished, thus exposing themselves to the risk environment for HIV transmission. Taiwan CDC urges the public to participate in healthy and legal activities, and refrain from having unprotected sex.More particularly, do not engage in sex with someone whose sexual history is unknown to prevent contracting STDs and HIV/AIDS.Refuse any sexual contact with sex partners if they fail to guarantee safety, and if they refuse to take any preventive measures against HIV/AIDS and STDs.