Macao AIDS Care Association (MACA) President Kelvin U Wai Yip said during the recent “8th AIDS Forum of Beijing, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan” that the accumulated number of HIV cases stood at about 500.
The forum was held at the Lisboeta resort in Cotai on December 6.
As the affected population ages, U expressed concern about the existing community support system. Speaking at the start of the forum, U said he expected it to discuss response strategies with experts from various regions in China.
The Post interviewed yesterday the S.Y. Tribe of Christian New Life Fellowship (In Macau) on Estrada Nova da Ilha Verde (青洲新馬路), which offers free, confidential and anonymous rapid testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C to everyone who lives in Macau. A mobile testing van service has also been introduced by the organisation to facilitate early screening for high-risk groups.
“S.Y.” stands for “smart youth”.
Tony Wong Ka Kit talked to the Post at the organisation’s headquarters in Ilha Verde yesterday. He is a social worker who oversees the organisation’s testing service and a programme called “Dance Together”, supported by the Health Bureau (SSM), promotes safe sex and HIV prevention knowledge among men who have sex with men, providing prevention services and support for individuals living with HIV.
Wong said that the entire testing process takes about 20 minutes and ensures privacy, adding that the rapid HIV test has an accuracy rate of over 90 percent. If a result is positive, staff will accompany the individual to schedule a blood test for confirmation and subsequent treatment, as well as provide emotional support, he said.
Last year, Wong said, a number of syphilis cases were confirmed through testing, adding that accompaniment and support services can also be arranged for the sufferers.
Wong pointed out that with advancements in medicine, HIV is no longer a terminal illness. Infected individuals who adhere to their prescribed medication can effectively manage the condition and even reduce the virus to very low, virtually untransmutable levels, he said.
According to Wong, women living with HIV can also give birth to uninfected children if they follow medical advice regarding medication and monitoring.
Wong called on civil society to put an end to discrimination, learn more about the current reality of the disease, and support those living with HIV by integrating them into the community.
Wong also said that in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of residents willing to undergo testing, with some proactively seeking help due to concerns after traveling abroad.
Wong said that the organisation also promotes testing information through homosexual dating apps and organises physical and mental health activities to help establish mutual support networks and alleviate stress related to sexual orientation or health issues.
“HIV is nothing to be afraid of; early testing and treatment are what really matters”, according to Wong.
Individuals in need of testing can call the hotline on 68471010 to schedule the mobile testing service.
The Christian non-governmental organisation (NGO) also provides drug and alcoholism rehabilitation, according to Wong.
Christian New Life Fellowship (In Macau) S.Y. Tribe social worker Tony Wong Ka Kit poses next to testing tools and prevention and control materials for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C at the non-governmental organisation’s headquarters on Estrada Nova da Ilha Verde yesterday. – Photo: Armindo Neves
