Hong Kong should have clearer HIV testing guidelines for lower-risk groups: health experts

Hong Kong medical experts have called for clearer guidelines on HIV testing among lower-risk groups amid a surge in cases of late diagnosis in the city. The recommendation by experts on Saturday came a day after the Hong Kong Advisory Council on Aids recommended “normalisation of HIV testing among the non-key population” as a key strategy to address the rising number of late diagnosis cases. The proportion of this group of people among all HIV patients in Hong Kong increased from 28.

5 per cent in 2014 to 47 per cent in 2023, mirroring trends overseas. The Centre for Health Protection’s scientific committee on Aids and sexually transmitted infections on Friday also issued its latest recommendations on HIV testing in Hong Kong, calling people who have had sex to get tested at least once in their lifetime to keep track of their health status. The advisory council said its members supported the recommendations, saying it could encourage HIV testing among non-key populations.



Dr Joseph Tsang Kay-yan, co-chairman of the Medical Association’s advisory committee on communicable diseases, said testing among the general public was a good move, but clearer guidelines would be needed from authorities..