Xiao Meng is a 21‑year‑old university student. Three months ago she had unsafe sex with an online friend and has been worried about contracting HIV, but fearing others' judgment she hesitated to go to a hospital for testing. She then learned that she could order an HIV self‑test online, decided to pick it up at a convenience store and complete the test, and reminded herself to always use a condom in future sexual encounters.
With summer approaching, to encourage young people to undergo HIV testing, the Centers for Disease Control (hereafter CDC) launched a promotional campaign for HIV self‑test kits. Starting from June 26, 2026, the public can use the CDC HIV self‑test program website (https://hiva.cdc.gov.tw/Selftest/)Order self-test kits, choose a nearby convenience store channel (7-ELEVEN or FamilyMart) for pickup and payment, the process is completely anonymous and privacy‑protected. During the activity period, a physical convenience store voucher worth NT$100 will be gifted with each shipment (limited to 1,000 vouchers, while supplies last). Embrace a wonderful summer, and remember to take good care of your health, protect yourself and protect your partner!
The CDC reminds that anyone who has ever had sexual intercourse is advised to undergo at least one HIV test; those who have had unsafe sex should test at least once a year; individuals with risk behaviors (such as having a sexually transmitted infection, multiple partners, using addictive drugs, sharing needles or diluents, etc.) or whose partners have any of these conditions are advised to test every 3 to 6 months. HIV self‑testing is simple, convenient, fast, and privacy‑respecting, allowing people to complete the test in a safe and private setting. In addition to ordering from the CDC HIV self‑test program website, kits can be obtained from partner NGOs, health bureaus (offices), or vending machines. Those who submit their results anonymously online also receive a free electronic voucher for a test kit, which can be used personally or gifted to friends and family. Because self‑test kits are preliminary, a positive result should be promptly confirmed at a designated HIV medical facility; the CDC also subsidizes the registration fee and part of the consultation cost for that visit.
According to CDC monitoring data, the HIV epidemic has shown a declining trend in recent years. Based on the three 95 targets set by UNAIDS, the first 95 refers to the proportion of people living with HIV who know their status; Taiwan achieved 93% in 2025, meaning 7% of infected individuals remain unaware or undiagnosed. Current HIV treatment can effectively suppress viral load to undetectable levels; people on stable treatment have undetectable virus, which not only controls the disease but has been scientifically proven to eliminate sexual transmission risk. People who have engaged in unsafe sex are encouraged to proactively use multiple channels for HIV testing, understand their health status, and protect themselves and their partners.
The CDC notes that besides the limited‑time self‑test promotion, considering that many young people are not yet financially independent, it continues to promote the “Campus Free HIV Self‑Test Kit Electronic Voucher Program.” By registering as an anonymous member on the self‑test program website and completing verification, students at risk can obtain a free electronic voucher for an HIV self‑test kit.
The CDC again reminds that during sexual activity, individuals should proactively require themselves or their partners to use condoms throughout, combined with water‑based lubricant, to effectively reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. To enhance public knowledge and accessibility of STI prevention and testing, the CDC launched the “Anonymous STI Consultation Service” in July 2025, offering one‑on‑one personalized anonymous consultations through 14 hospitals nationwide via phone, e‑mail, or LINE@, with strict confidentiality. Additionally, 104 medical institutions across the country provide free anonymous rapid HIV testing consultation services. Resources for STI prevention—including anonymous chat, anonymous testing, self‑testing, designated HIV medical institutions, etc.—are mapped in the “Sexual Health Friendly Resource Map” on the CDC’s Line@ platform, allowing users to search by need and location. More HIV prevention information can be found on the CDC’s global websitehttps://reurl.cc/eGbeMj)Check or call the domestic toll‑free epidemic prevention hotline 1922 (or 0800-001922) for inquiries.
Data source: CDC
Data compiled: Sensory Management Office
