The Spread of AIDS and its Correlation with Homosexuality: Concerns about Social Homophobia.

It has been revealed that 92% of new HIV/AIDS infections are among males, with over 60% of these cases transmitted through same-sex sexual contact. These statistics provide significant insights into the rising rates of AIDS infection through sexual contact and gender disparities.

 

These statistics highlight the need for greater awareness and efforts in addressing AIDS infections. It is essential to strengthen national policies and education for the prevention of AIDS infections through sexual contact.

 

According to the "Recent 5-Year AIDS Infection Status" data presented at the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee, the number of new AIDS infections last year increased by 91 cases (9.3%) compared to 2021, totaling 1,066 cases. Of these, approximately 92.3% were males, while females accounted for 7.7%.

 

Among the increased number of cases, 99% were transmitted through sexual contact. Among 582 infected Koreans, 577 (99.1%) were found to have contracted the virus through sexual contact, with same-sex sexual contact accounting for 348 cases (60.3%) of these infections.

 

Historical statistics have shown that from 1985 to 2018, more AIDS infections were attributed to heterosexual sexual contact rather than same-sex sexual contact. However, since 2019, there has been a trend where infections through same-sex sexual contact are surpassing those through heterosexual contact.

 

Furthermore, the issue of AIDS infection due to shared drug injection should not be overlooked. Last year, five cases of infection through this route were reported. In the past, such cases occurred once a year, but the recent increase in drug use has led to a rising trend in infection cases.

 

Awareness of the gender disparities in AIDS infection rates and the increasing cases of infection through same-sex sexual contact is crucial. Representative Choi Young-hee emphasized the need for proactive prevention education and promotion, stating, "Syphilis cases have exceeded 10,000 in Japan, and sexually transmitted diseases are spreading worldwide. In Korea, too, with the number of new AIDS infections exceeding 1,000 again, proactive health authority prevention education and promotion are essential."

 

Since the first reported case of AIDS in 1985 to the end of 2022, there have been a total of 15,880 AIDS-infected Korean nationals, with 93.7% being male and 6.3% female.

 

These statistics highlight the need for greater awareness and efforts in addressing AIDS infections. It is essential to strengthen national policies and education for the prevention of AIDS infections through sexual contact.