This year marks as a milestone in reshaping how Hong Kong addresses HIV. In June 2025, the Government has announced a strategic shift in the AIDS Trust Fund (a government fund dedicated to supporting HIV programs), transitioning from disease-specific funding toward a more inclusive and integrated healthcare model. Hong Kong will implement this new approach to HIV prevention and care, emphasizing broader collaboration with community stakeholders, including NGOs, and integrating services within the public health system. With HIV now considered a manageable chronic condition, the Government aims to integrate people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) into mainstream care services and to ensure equitable access to treatment, reduce stigma, and promote social inclusion. In response, the Society for AIDS Care (SAC) remains committed to supporting PLHIV in regaining independence and achieving fuller social integration. For over three decades, SAC has provided holistic support services that empower individuals to face both their illness and life’s challenges. Our Day Centre plays a pivotal role in this mission, offering a comfortable, caring, and non-judgmental environment where members can engage in activities, connect with peers, and receive support in confidence. This safe space allows individuals to participate freely, without fear of stigma or disclosure, fostering dignity and resilience in their journey toward wellness.

As part of the ongoing commitment to strengthening these strategies, HIV testing remains a critical foundation for effective prevention and care —enabling early diagnosis, timely treatment, and reduced transmission. Given the significance of HIV testing, it is imperative for the public to increase their participation in testing efforts. SAC’s HIV self-testing program, launched to promote “early testing, early treatment”, has continued to grow over the past years. This program, using a non-invasive oral swab, aims to raise awareness of HIV testing and offers the advantage of being performed privately at any time, making regular testing more accessible. Through extensive public roadshows and community outreach, we have increased awareness and accessibility, ensuring that more individuals can take control of their health with dignity and privacy. Last year, the program successfully reached an audience of over 5.1 million through our promotional poster campaign, and we plan to continue this effort in the coming year. Additionally, to promote more testing opportunities for women, we continue to provide free HIV and syphilis testing with professional counselling to those in need. It is very important that early diagnosis is established so that treatment could be provided for extending life expectancy and curbing the epidemic.

Building on the momentum of expanded public HIV testing, efforts have also focused on preventing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). Between 2014 and 2024, eight MTCT cases were diagnosed in Hong Kong, highlighting the ongoing importance of robust prevention strategies. While the Universal Antenatal HIV Antibody Testing Programme with informed consent (UATP) provides early screening during pregnancy, these cases underscore the need for re-testing services in the later stages of pregnancy to ascertain no further new infections that may occur after the early test. To address this gap, the Scientific Committee on AIDS and STI under the Centre for Health Protection of the Hong Kong Department of Health updated its clinical guidelines in March 2024, recommending repeat HIV testing in the third trimester for women with ongoing risk exposure. These updates reflect growing evidence that maternal HIV acquisition can occur after initial testing, leading to late-stage transmission risks. Simultaneously, SAC has been proactive in addressing this need through the Mother-to-Child Transmission Prevention Program (MTCTPP) since its inception in 2002. The MTCTPP aims to eliminate HIV transmission in newborns by collaborating closely with doctors and nurses in hospitals and HIV clinics. SAC's dedicated home care nurses work alongside a multidisciplinary team to ensure pregnant mothers adhere to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), resulting in a 100% success rate with 48 healthy babies born under this program.

In line with SAC’s ongoing commitment to holistic support, we remain dedicated to fostering the overall well-being of PLHIV and their caregivers, recognizing the importance of emotional resilience, social connection, and personal fulfilment. In 2024-2025, our centre theme was “Be Together for 30 years, Creating a Better Tomorrow”. Diversified activities and empowerment programs were arranged through special projects to encourage PLHIV to be more engaged in the community, build different interests, enjoy and live a wonderful life. These initiatives included therapeutic art programs, educational seminars, mindfulness practices, individual and group fitness training, and volunteer engagement, all aimed at enhancing the holistic health of PLHIV. These activities were conducted by our dedicated team of social workers, counselors, and physiotherapists. Co-currently, with the sponsorship of Gilead Sciences and GlaxoSmithKline plc, we have organized 6 educational seminars in 2024 for our professional staff. The topics covered were “Eye Health for PLHIV”, “Management of Drug Side-effects and Antiretroviral Resistance", “Understanding Chronic Inflammation and Management”, “Knowing More about Shingles”, “Advanced Development in HIV/AIDS Treatment”, and “Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke”. Through the educational seminars, we were able to deliver better direct care services to our members, as well as to share new medical information and trends with them.

Now in its 13th year, the “Say No to Discrimination! Mask Design Contest” continues to empower youth through creativity and advocacy. This year, the Awards Ceremony returned for the second time to the Yaumatei community centre, welcoming over 300 students, teachers, and their friends and families. This contest provided youth with valuable opportunities to learn about HIV acceptance and effective measures for self-protection. Looking ahead, the program will continue to educate young people about HIV and empower them with essential knowledge. Internationally our collaborative student initiative with KHEMARA, Cambodia, titled "Love with Care," now entering its sixth year, aims to enhance the quality of life for women and girls in the community. The program focuses on providing crucial sexual and reproductive health education, including HIV prevention. Last year, we expanded our support to four secondary schools, successfully reaching 1,541 students and continuing to grow in impact and outreach.

With over two decades of impact, SAC’s flagship AIDS Walk has exemplified resilience and unity in overcoming challenges. Looking ahead, we are embracing a new hybrid format for this meaningful cause. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated AIDS Walk committee, as well as to our partners including T-shirt producer Simple Approach, designer Cassian Lau, celebrities, ambassadors, key opinion leaders, and sponsors, whose invaluable support has elevated this event to new heights. Their contributions not only amplify our message but also help foster a more inclusive and informed community.

Our meaningful achievements across various programs are made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters and volunteers. We are deeply grateful for every donation received and remain committed to ensuring that every contribution is used wisely and effectively. With your steadfast support, we look forward to achieving even greater positive change within the HIV/AIDS community in the years ahead. Together, we make a difference. 

Alice Chan
Chief Executive Officer
October 2025