Taiwanese still ignorant about HIV, AIDS: group
TAIPEI – Taiwanese people’s ignorance of HIV and AIDS have not changed much over the past two decades, a local group said Monday, urging the public to educate themselves about the disease.
Ignorance can lead to an unfriendly environment for people infected and even affect their willingness to receive stable treatment, said Paul Hsu, secretary-general of the Taipei-based Taiwan Lourdes Association.
Over 30 percent of HIV-positive patients often feel depressed and suffer heavy stress, he said at a press conference in Taipei, citing the results of a survey conducted by his association.
The number of Taiwanese AIDS patients had amounted to 27,989 as of August, 57 percent higher than 17,826 recorded in August 2009, according to official statistics.
The survey found that over 20 percent of the respondents still have the erroneous view that HIV can be spread through touch, tears, sweat, or saliva, while 30 percent said they are not willing to hire or work with HIV-positive patients.
Over 50 percent of those polled said they are not willing to accept services if their hairdressers, stylists or nurses are infected with HIV, according to the survey results.
The online survey collected 1,156 valid samples Aug. 26 to Sept. 2. It had a margin of error of plus or minus 5.5 percentage points.
“Society is still unfriendly toward the HIV-positive. But the infected need everyone’s support,” he said.
The infected are no different from the rest of the public and people should recognize everyone’s dignity and value, he added.
The Taiwan Lourdes Association will hold a two-day event to promote better understanding of HIV and AIDS on Sept. 20-21, Hsu added.
