There is still widespread ignorance about HIV and AIDS in the nation, the Taipei-based Taiwan Lourdes Association said yesterday.
Ignorance can lead to an unfriendly environment for people infected and can affect their willingness to receive stable treatment, association secretary-general Paul Hsu (徐森杰) said.
More than 30 percent of people with HIV feel depressed and suffer from stress, he said at a press conference in Taipei, citing the results of a survey conducted by the association.
The number of HIV-positive Taiwanese had climbed to 27,989 as of last month, 57 percent higher than the 17,826 recorded in August 2009, according to official statistics.
The survey found that more than 20 percent of those polled still believe that HIV can be spread through touch, tears, sweat, or saliva, while 30 percent said they are not willing to hire or work with HIV-positive individuals.
“Society is still unfriendly toward the HIV-positive, but those infected actually need everyone’s support,” he said.
The Taiwan Lourdes Association is to hold a two-day event to promote better understanding of HIV and AIDS on Saturday and Sunday, Hsu added.
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