Comparison of Sociodemographic and Behavioral Variables between individuals enrolled for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV using Mpox vaccination Opportunities versus Traditional Recruitment Channels

Hsun-Yin Huang^1*, Yu-Shan Tseng¹, Hsiu-Yun Lo¹, Yu-Cian Tang¹, Pei-Chun Chan^1.2, Chia-Chi Lee¹

2025 Vol.41 No.22

Correspondence Author： Hsun-Yin Huang

Abstract：

     In 2015, Taiwan adopted pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as part of its HIV prevention strategy, launching the program in 2016. In response to a domestic Mpox outbreak in February 2023, proactive measures were implemented, including a public campaign promoting Mpox vaccination. Additionally, a registration platform was created for individuals to indicate their intent to receive the Mpox vaccine, which also allowed them to express interest in receiving PrEP information from the Ministry of Health and Welfare. This platform served as a conduit for individuals to access PrEP resources, thereby increasing awareness of the protective benefits of PrEP and potentially boosting enrollment in the publicly funded PrEP program. The study compared the sociodemographic characteristics and risk behaviors of individuals who enrolled in the PrEP program via traditional channels with those referred from the Mpox vaccine registration platform.
    Findings indicate that PrEP program participants primarily belonged to high-risk behavior groups, characterized by high sexual activity, a history of sexually transmitted infections, or sexual contact with HIV-positive individuals. Notably, participants who enrolled through the Mpox vaccine registration platform exhibited fewer risk behaviors than those who joined through traditional channels. However, the study also identified ongoing challenges in engaging certain minority groups, such as women and transgender individuals, whose participation rates remained low. This disparity may be influenced by factors such as differing levels of sexual health awareness and behaviors, as well as the digital divide.
    This research highlights the effectiveness of leveraging comorbidity prevention efforts, such as those targeting the Mpox outbreak, to provide high-risk behavior groups with PrEP-related knowledge and resources. It also suggests the need for further investigation into the lower enrollment rates among women and transgender individuals to inform future policy planning and program design.

Keywords：HIV, PrEP, Mpox, Mpox vaccine

A Case of Mother-to-Child HIV transmission, Taiwan, 2023

Jen-Ying Yeh^*, Yu-Bei Liu, Yi-Hua Chou, Yeuan-Perng Tsay, Tzu-Chun Chen, Hui-Rong Liu

2025 Vol.41 No.22

Correspondence Author： Jen-Ying Yeh

Abstract：

Vertical transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) from mother to child has decreased significantly since the implementation of the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control's comprehensive HIV screening program for pregnant women in 2005. However, sporadic cases still occur. In 2023, a rare case of precipitate delivery resulting in HIV transmission from mother to child was reported in Taiwan. The mother had not undergone regular prenatal care and screening. Although she sought medical care during pregnancy, HIV testing was not performed due to the absence of her maternal health records. At 35 weeks of pregnancy, she experienced severe abdominal pain and underwent precipitated delivery at the hospital. Time constraints prevented HIV rapid screening and the administration of antiviral therapy during delivery. To prevent such transmissions in the future, it is crucial to strengthen HIV screening protocols for pregnant women in medical institutions, refine procedures for HIV rapid screening during pregnancy and childbirth, and conduct thorough epidemiological investigations.

Keywords：Mother-to-child HIV transmission, HIV screening, HIV screening for pregnant women