Arguments

Young MSM should be more targeted, use innovative methods

‘Target young MSM intensively: HIV programs for MSM should focus on younger members of
this community, while sustaining programs for older MSM. Unprotected sex, alcohol and
substance abuse (chemsex and chemfun), low HIV testing rate and lower treatment rate are the
key challenges to be tackled. The use of innovative methods, including digital technology for
reaching them, are encouraged.’

HIV testing should become a norm for all MSM

‘Advocate annual universal HIV testing: The largest gap in the HIV care cascade is at the level of
diagnosis. Annual universal testing for all MSM should become a norm for the community,
irrespective of individually assessed risk of infection.’
Recommended Strategies for HIV/AIDS in Hong Kong, 2017, P28
http://www.aca.gov.hk/english/strategies/pdf/strategies17-21.pdf

Many never-tests were already HIV-infected

‘Among 1475 HIV-positive MSM (89.7% Chinese, mean age 34 years) newly engaged in
medical care from 2006 to 2016, 505 (34.2%) were diagnosed upon their first HIV test, i.e.
never-testers.’
‘They were also more likely to have had their first HIV tests performed because of HIV-related
symptoms (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.06 – 2.67, p=0.03) rather than screening due to behavioral risk.’
Understanding high-risk MSM never-testers for public health control of HIV, 2017
www.rrc.gov.hk/research/ab201702.pdf