Jerome (Mr Jerome YAU, Chief Executive, AIDS Concern),

Prof Lo (Prof LO Chung-mau, Secretary for Health),

Dr Kong (Dr Travis KONG, Chairman, AIDS Concern),

Distinguished guests and friends,

Good afternoon.

Thank you to AIDS Concern for inviting me here today. I am honoured to have the opportunity to be a part of this conference, and to speak to and hear the insights from so many leaders and experts in the field of HIV and sexual health.

The treatment for and prevention of HIV have undergone significant transformations since the first case of the infection was recorded in Hong Kong four decades ago in 1984. With advancements in antiretroviral therapy, people living with HIV are now living longer and healthier lives, with AIDS-related deaths becoming less common. The availability of pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis, as well as self-testing have also greatly reduced the risks of transmission.

Hong Kong’s response to HIV is undoubtedly showing positive results, as evidenced by the fact that the number of HIV infection reports has decreased for eight consecutive years since its peak in 2015. As the Hong Kong Advisory Council on AIDS makes clear in its latest strategy, the goal is to end the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat in the city by 2030.

Yet, as medical treatment and prevention for HIV have advanced drastically, societal attitudes towards people living with HIV have not progressed at the same pace. Myths and misconceptions about HIV and AIDS remain prevalent, while people who are HIV positive are often faced with stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion. Evidently, such attitudes are detrimental not only to their physical health but also to their mental wellbeing. Whether in the form of a joke, verbal abuse, or job termination, such stigma and discrimination rob people’s right to live a life of dignity. These acts can cause people to hold themselves back from seeking help and treatment, the delay of which will not only put the individuals in greater risks, but also cause a negative impact on the wider society’s management of the HIV epidemic.

The Disability Discrimination Ordinance protects people living with HIV from discrimination, harassment, and vilification. As the public body tasked with the implementation of the ordinance, the Equal Opportunities Commission has taken a multi-pronged approach to combat the stigmatisation of people living with HIV.

In terms of enforcing the law, we have been handling complaints related to HIV and AIDS. By conducting investigation and assisting in conciliation, the EOC provides a channel for those living with HIV to seek redress when they have been discriminated against or received less favourable treatment. Our complaint-handling mechanism also enables us to monitor patterns of discrimination and devise policy recommendations accordingly for broader changes in society.

Prejudice against and the stigmatisation of people living with HIV often stem from a lack of understanding. It is therefore essential to tackle misinformation about HIV and AIDS through education. Through our engagement with stakeholders in different sectors, such as hosting training workshops for employers, we have sought to educate the public on appropriate ways to interact with people living with HIV, enhance understanding of their legal rights and protections, and promote their acceptance and inclusion.

We also see the education of the next generation as an indispensable step to eradicate the stigmatisation of people living with HIV in the long-term. As our own research has shown, there is unfortunately a lack of sexuality education in schools. We believe there needs to be a comprehensive reform of the current guidelines on sex education in schools and have included this proposal in our submission for last year’s Policy Address public consultation. We are also making use of multiple channels, including social media and the Equal Opportunity Youth Ambassador Scheme for tertiary students to instil in the younger generation values of empathy, inclusion, and respect.

Indeed, to truly transform the lives of people living with HIV, we need to correct misconceptions, challenge outdated thinking, and change the way society sees HIV. I have no doubt that the discussions and insights this conference inspires will move our society in the right direction, and I look forward to working with you all to make the vision of zero stigma for people living with HIV a reality.