In support of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) held a news conference on December 1 marking the 2025 World AIDS Day, echoing the theme of “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.” The news conference, titled “Breaking Myths and Staying True to Love,” was attended by Taiwan CDC Director-General Yi-Chun Lo, Deputy Director-General Min-Cheng Lin, Taiwan AIDS Society President Po-Liang Lu, members of the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Protection of Rights Committee, and several HIV prevention advocacy groups.

Taiwan CDC stated that TWeen drag queens Chiang Wei, Hannah, and Bagel were invited to perform at the opening of the news conference, with the aim of dispelling misconceptions and stigma surrounding HIV and promoting the values of respect and inclusion through their bold and diverse personas. Guests were also invited to take part in “Breaking Through Myths, Tearing Off Labels,” an interactive activity symbolizing the removal of common misconceptions about HIV, the promotion of accurate knowledge, and the eradication of prejudice. The news conference concluded with a multilingual performance of the HIV awareness song “As Usual” in Chinese, English, and Japanese by representatives of the Federation of Public Health Student Associations in Taiwan. Through music, the performance sought to bridge divides and convey the core message of HIV prevention, U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable), while reinforcing public understanding, celebrating diversity and inclusion, and expressing support for health equity.

Taiwan CDC noted that Taiwan’s HIV trend has shown an overall decline since 2018. As of October this year, there were 744 newly reported HIV cases, a decrease of 89 cases (–11%) compared with the 833 cases during the same period in 2024. Statistics also show that Taiwan’s  HIV care cascade indicators reached 92-96-95 in 2024—meaning 92% of people living with HIV know their status, 96% of those diagnosed are receiving treatment, and 95% of those under treatment have achieved viral suppression—surpassing the global averages of 87-89-94. These results demonstrate the high effectiveness of Taiwan’s HIV prevention and control efforts.

Taiwan CDC continues to encourage safe sex practices, including consistent and correct condom use and the use of water-based lubricants, to effectively prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Taiwan CDC also reminds the public that, despite significant progress in HIV prevention, approximately 8% of people living with HIV in Taiwan remain unaware of their infection. Both Taiwanese citizens and foreign residents are encouraged to undergo regular testing through available methods, including self-testing or anonymous testing services. To promote HIV screening, Taiwan CDC is offering free shipping on HIV self-test kits purchased via its official self-testing website (https://hiva.cdc.gov.tw/Selftest/) through December 31, waiving the standard NT$45 shipping fee (note that users redeeming a free test voucher are still required to pay the shipping fee). In addition, Taiwan CDC launched the “Anonymous STI Consultation Service” in July 2025 to provide anonymous, friendly, and professional STI consultation services through designated one-stop anonymous testing  hospitals nationwide. Free rapid syphilis testing is also available to individuals aged 24 and under, including students.

Taiwan CDC will continue to collaborate with government agencies and community partners to advance HIV prevention, eliminate discrimination, build a supportive environment, and promote health equity. Taiwan CDC aims to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets and the global vision of the Three Zeros: zero new HIV infections, zero AIDS-related deaths, and zero discrimination—ultimately moving toward ending the HIV epidemic.