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Foreigners Working in Taiwan are Advised by Ministry of Health and Welfare to Regular HIV Screening Tests

The red ribbon is an international symbol of concern for HIV prevention and control. Photo reproduced from Pixabay
The red ribbon is an international symbol of concern for HIV prevention and control. Photo reproduced from Pixabay
Taiwan Immigrants' Global News Network】Editor/ Tim Wu (吳宗翰)

 In order to prevent HIV, it is advised that foreigners working in Taiwan undergo routine screening tests, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's propaganda. Health insurance is only available to foreigners who legally stay in Taiwan for more than six months after applying for residency due to employment or other reasons. Foreigners can visit a hospital on their own for HIV testing, phone the consultation hotline (0800-001922) or visit the HIV anonymous consultation website for consultation to understand their own situations.

HIV Anonymous testing is precise, concerned with privacy, and cost-free. If you are unsure about your personal health state, you can schedule a visit to the hospital for an anonymous screening consultation and conduct a risk assessment at the same time by visiting HIV anonymous consultation website.

Along with the health examination certificate, the subjects will also receive a "Notice of AIDS Screening and Treatment Expenses," which was added by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. There are three appendices in English, Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian.

The Republic of China's government does not provide subsidies of HIV treatment for non-citizens. Foreigners infected with HIV must cover the expense of their own medicine and treatment in Taiwan. The average annual treatment cost is around NT$300,000 (USD$10,000). Two years after starting to take the medicine at one's own expense, if they already obtain a health insurance status, the medical expenses will be paid by the health insurance in the mode of chronic disease care.

Read more: CECC: From March 1st, home-use Covid-19 antigen rapid tests are not provided for arrivals and close contacts of confirmed cases for any longer

Foreigners Working in Taiwan are Advised by Ministry of Health and Welfare to Regular HIV Screening Tests.Photo provided by Workforce Development Agency, MOL webiste

AIDS is a disease, while HIV is a virus. Human Immunodeficiency Virus, also known as HIV, is a virus that targets the human immune system and prevents it from functioning correctly. It can be spread primarily by unprotected sex. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome is referred to as AIDS.

Because the HIV incubation period can last up to ten years or longer, symptoms may not always show up right after an infection. Without proper care, immune system damage in HIV-positive individuals will worsen, progressing to the third stage where it will become AIDS. Although many people in Taiwan refer to the HIV virus as the "AIDS virus," HIV infection does not always result in AIDS; instead, HIV infection is a requirement for AIDS patients.

Read more: Taipei City Government to Give out EasyCard Top-up Credits to Promote Adult Preventive Health Care Services

AIDS is a disease, while HIV is a virus. Human Immunodeficiency Virus, also known as HIV, is a virus that targets the human immune system and prevents it from functioning correctly.Photo reproduced from Pixabay

People who have at least one sexual experience are advised to screening test at least once, while those who have engaged in risky sexual activity are advised to screening test once a year. People who share needles, have several sexual partners, use addictive substances concurrently, etc., are at risk of contracting an infection. In order to maintain healthy sex, it is advised to check behavior every three to six months and to use condoms and water-based lubricants whenever possible.

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