Taiwan launches new HIV prevention campaign

The Taiwan AIDS Foundation in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Taipei North Star has launched an HIV prevention campaign that aims to educate people about HIV/AIDS in light of the upcoming Chinese Valentine's Day holiday, the China Post reports.

The campaign on Aug. 30 will culminate at an HIV/AIDS awareness event (Lu, China Post, 8/24).

In addition, people at the event who donate $3 to the foundation will receive $15 worth of fruit-flavored condoms, according to Lin Chiung-chao, the foundation's vice secretary general.

"Valentine's Day is just around the corner," foundation Chair Twu Shiing-jer said, adding, "So, this is the perfect time ... for us to promote a romantic but safe holiday" (Hirsch, Taipei Times, 8/24).

A 2004 study conducted in Taiwan found that 20% to 30% of people use condoms consistently and that there are many misconceptions about HIV/AIDS in the country.

According to Department of Health statistics, as of July there were 12,012 reported HIV/AIDS cases in Taiwan, and fewer than 10% of them were reported prior to people developing an AIDS-related illness (China Post, 8/24).