According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the number of people newly infected with HIV continues to remain at 1,000 per year. Also according to the KDCA, the number of AIDS-related deaths has decreased over the past five years, but new infections are constantly being reported, especially among young people and foreign nationals.
Health authorities in Korea have developed countermeasures against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), aiming to reduce the aforementioned number by half by the end of 2030.
In order to reduce new infections, increase the rate at which new patients are diagnosed, as well as the prompt initiation of treatment, KDCA has decided to invest approximately $15 million starting in 2024. The agency also aims to create a more efficient disease management system.
The new programme provided an opportunity for all citizens living with HIV to get the necessary medicines at low cost or even free of charge. This decision responds to the need to improve access to HIV treatment and reduce the financial burden, which in turn will have a positive impact on treatment adherence.
Another positive aspect of the new 5-year initiative is the expansion of the list of medicines available for HIV prevention.
KDCA Commissioner Jee Young-mee is confident that in cooperation with relevant ministries, local governments, private institutions and experts, the plan will be fully implemented.