Dear Fellow Students,
Life is beautiful, yet fragile. It shines like a summer flower and yet is as fragile as a crystal. How many budding flowers have withered before they could bloom? How many lives have been taken away by that dreaded virus? And how many families are left with eternal sorrow due to the loss of their loved ones?
When it comes to HIV/AIDS, some might think, This is a campus of youth; why talk about such a distant threat? But the truth is, HIV is not as far away as we think. It could be our relatives, classmates, friends, or even strangers we pass by on the street. As of the end of 2022, China reported 1.223 million living HIV cases, with a cumulative death toll of 418,000. Among them, the number of HIV infections among young students is rising steeply. Each year, approximately 3,000 young students are diagnosed with HIV, a significant increase from 794 cases in 2010 to over 3,000 in 2023. In particular, the 15-24 age group, especially college students, faces a grim situation in preventing HIV infections.
Sexual transmission has become the primary mode of HIV transmission. Over 95% of new HIV cases in recent years are transmitted through sexual contact, with about 3/4 being male. Male-to-male sexual behavior is the primary way HIV spreads among young students, with the HIV-positive rate among men having sex with men in Jiangsu Province remaining between 6.36% and 7.70% in the past five years. Some students lack risk awareness and are easily influenced, engaging in unsafe sexual practices. Additionally, there are individuals with HIV who intentionally spread the virus for various reasons, which requires our utmost vigilance.
HIV-infected individuals often look healthy, so one cannot judge a person's HIV status based on appearance alone. Young students should learn about HIV prevention knowledge and skills, avoid high-risk sexual behaviors, use condoms correctly, consider using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if needed, and undergo timely testing. It's essential to be informed when making friends and avoid sexual contact with partners whose infection status is unclear. If sexual contact occurs, understand your partner's HIV test results and take protective measures accordingly. If unsure of your partner's disclosure or in special situations, always use a condom correctly.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be taken within 72 hours of a high-risk sexual encounter. The sooner you start, the better it works. Seek services at local HIV treatment centers or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suppose exposure occurred more than 72 hours ago. In that case, it's recommended to get tested as early as possible, within three weeks, and repeat the test after 12 weeks if the initial result is negative.
Dear friends, let us cherish life and protect ourselves against HIV with knowledge, wisdom, and vigilance. Remember, prevention is better than cure!
Best Regards,
Domestic Affairs Department (CIE)
2024.5.07
