French expert says HIV infections in Singapore higher than France

French expert says HIV infections in Singapore higher than France
By Wang Eng Eng/ Alicia Wong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 08 March 2010 2202 hrs

	Photos 1 of 1 A nurse draws blood from a patient for an HIV test
	Related News • HIV testing, treatment in S'pore should be free: Nobel laureate  Video French expert says HIV infections in Singapore higher than France

 
SINGAPORE: A French HIV expert from the Institut Pasteur in Paris said she's surprised with Singapore's HIV infection numbers especially the over-400 new infections in 2008.

Prof Francoise Barre Sinoussi was in Singapore to share her latest findings on natural protection against AIDS.

Professor Francoise Barre Sinoussi said she was surprised at Singapore's HIV infection numbers.

She said the over 400 new infections in 2008 was higher than she thought it would be and comparatively higher even than France.

Professor Francoise Barre Sinoussi, Institut Pastuer, Paris, said: "If you calculate in proportion to the population in Singapore, it's a little bit more than my country in France. So this was something really new for me. Originally, I thought you had very few cases of infection in Singapore - that it was not really a problem, but that's not the case."

However, Singapore's Health Ministry said the rate of HIV prevalence among those aged 15 to 49 years old is similar to other developed nations like France - at 0.1 to 0.2 per cent of the general population.

Lionel Lee, executive director, Action for AIDS, said: "The numbers are actually not that high as compared to the rest of the countries. In fact, we attributed the increase to stepped-up efforts in testing with AFA as well as with other clinics.

“I think MOH has also launched six other GPs including AFA to be running the anonymous HIV testing services in Singapore that would have an impact on the number of detection in 2008."

While more people are coming forward for testing, Mr Lee said more can be done.

He said: "HIV AIDS is not only a public health problem. It transcends different stakeholders including the political level, community level, businesses including the media as well. Everyone has a role to play with regards to HIV prevention."

For the first ten months of 2009, the number of newly-infected Singaporeans with HIV was 378. 

- CNA/vm 

- wong chee tat :)