HIV/AIDS Situation in Japan

Though the number of HIV/AIDS cases is relatively small in Japan, it has been increasing steadily especially among Japanese male. Nearly half of all HIV infections was transmitted through the transfusion of HIV-infected blood products. However, new infections have been occurring mainly through heterosexual transmission. By the end of June 1996, cumulative total of 1, 312 AIDS cases and 3, 758 HIV infections are reported. Of 682 AIDS cases, excluding those infected through the transfusion of infected blood products, heterosexual transmission accounts for 39%, homosexual/bisexual transmission accounts for 30%, the sharing of HIV-infected injection equipment by drug users accounts for 0.9% and mother-to-child transmission accounts for 1%. Of 1, 890 HIV infections, excluding those infected through blood products, heterosexual transmission, homosexual/bisexual transmission, injecting drug use and mother-to-child transmission accounts for 50%, 21 %, 0.6%, 0.6% respectively. HIV infections have been reported from all prefectures and most infected individuals now mention Japan as the place where transmission took place. Japanese National AIDS Program consists of six areas ; health care, counseling system, HIV testing, research, education and international cooperation. In 1996, the Government puts particular emphasis on improvement of health care for those who are infected. J Epidemiol, 1996 ; 6 : S133-S137.