Hong Kong: An epicenter of increasing risk for HIV transmission? Overview and response

Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the Peoples' Republic of China (PRC), has a tow prevalence of HIV infection. This has beets attr ibuted to an extensive prevention and control program implemented by the Ho ng Kong government from the very beginning of the epidemic. Since the early 1990s, MN-related surveys; in Hong Kong have delineated the magnitude of t he problem and identified particularly relevant cultural features that both increase and limit the risk of the transmission of HIV. Factors that may i ncrease transmission include high rates of regional travel, cross-border mo bility, and growing commercial sex industries nearby; the latter two are Pa rticularly important, Protective factors may include a later age for first sexual experience than in Western countries. More epidemiological research, and particularly intervention research, is needed in the HKSAR to identify new means to maintain the current low HIV/AIDS prevalence and to further s trengthen prevention and control programs. Collaboration between government bodies, non-government organisations, and researchers is needed to assure that the best programs and policies are identified and implemented.