I met Sam (not his real name) last year. He's a migrant worker in Taiwan, diagnosed with HIV during his second time working abroad. A friend had encouraged him to reach out to me for assistance after hearing about my ministry through activities we held in their parish. He shared that by the time he was diagnosed, his health had deteriorated, and he required immediate antiretroviral treatment (ARV). Yet, as a foreigner, he faced a significant financial challenge - at that time, he had to cover his medication. Sam's concern wasn't just his health; it was finding a way to continue working in Taiwan to support his family, despite the added cost of treatment.
Over the months, his health improved with the support of adequate medical care. It was fortunate that the hospital assisted him in finding cheaper medicine to help lighten his expenses. Beyond financial assistance, Sam also needed support and encouragement to recover and continue working in Taiwan. Knowing he is not alone in facing this illness gives him the strength to stay healthy and hopeful as he navigates the changes in his life. He is now more mindful of his health and maintains good relationships with his family and friends.
Migrant workers are among the vulnerable populations, often unfamiliar with HIV, with low awareness of its risks, and lacking knowledge about their rights and how to access HIV-related services. Moreover, stigma remains a formidable barrier. For many, fear of discrimination discourages HIV testing, while those diagnosed may avoid accessing services.
Since the first case in 1984, Taiwan has recorded 46,718 HIV cases. After years of steady decline in new cases since 2017, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported a recent increase in the first seven months of this year—the first rise in six years. This increase in cases may be linked to the end of the COVID pandemic, which restored normal levels of social interaction.
To address these ongoing challenges, the Taiwan Government has made significant progress over the years, ensuring the rights and dignity of people with HIV are respected and improving access to HIV-related services. For example, the CDC introduced in-home self-testing kits in 2017. In August this year, a support program for foreigners living with HIV was launched to assist those who did not qualify for government subsidies.
Previously, foreign patients were required to pay for antiretroviral treatment for the first two years before becoming eligible for free treatment under the National Health Insurance. Foreign patients can immediately access free ARVs, just like the locals. This change is critical for many foreigners like Sam, who would otherwise struggle to afford treatment while in Taiwan.
In my ministry work, I have recently collaborated with migrant centers and parishes to facilitate and promote our third art competition for World AIDS Day as part of our ongoing HIV awareness and education campaign in the diocese. This year's theme is 'Compassion in Action: Breaking Barriers to End HIV Stigma.' I pray for the constant guidance of the Holy Spirit, that through activities like this and meaningful encounters with courageous individuals like Sam, more people may be inspired to be informed about HIV and take part in the solution - to stop its spread and break the stigma, starting with ourselves.
Jao Resari is a Columban Lay Missionary working in Taiwan. She coordinates the Agape Center for HIV and AIDS ministry in the Hsinchu Diocese, facilitating the education campaign and providing HIV-related services for migrant communities in the diocese.
