EvidenceToAction

JAPAN

HIV and AIDS Data

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Country Profile

There are an estimated 9,600 people living with HIV and AIDS in Japan as of 2007. The number of reported people living with HIV (PLHIV) has continued to increase since 1996, and the highest number of cases was reported in 2006, at 952 cases. The number consisted of 836 Japanese nationals and 116 foreign nationals. 827 (87%) cases of infection were through sexual contact, of which 604 (63%) and 223 (23%) cases attributed to homosexual and heterosexual transmission respectively, those aged 30 - 39 years represented the highest number of cases of infection (41%), followed by those aged 15 - 29 years (30%). Despite the spike in new infections, Japan's HIV and AIDS caseload remains low by global standards.

According to the AIDS Surveillance Committee's report, the most significant increase in new HIV cases occurred among men who have sex with men, and 15 times more men than women reported a new HIV-positive diagnosis in 2006 . The total number of new HIV and AIDS cases reported in 2006 was 1,358 and reached the record hit high same as in 2005.

Men who have sex with men are considered to be at the highest risk. Although a smaller proportion, migrant workers, especially unregistered non-Japanese nationals without legal status, are similarly considered vulnerable and at risk of HIV infection. Among Non-Japanese, female HIV cases outnumbered male HIV cases. The situation regarding sex workers and injecting drug users is yet to be fully assessed.

In terms of an AIDS medical service network, an AIDS Clinical Center (ACC) has been established as a national center, within 369 key hospitals including the core hospitals.

The civil society sector in Japan is extremely vibrant; there are approximately 100 community-based nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) involved in HIV and AIDS issues on the domestic scene, which are mostly run on a volunteer basis by medical experts or PLHIV. They have been effective in conducting prevention programs and offering care and support for population groups vulnerable to HIV.

There are 4 community centers established by NGOs which are managed by MSM, through a community project spearheaded by MSM. Further efforts are being made to promote awareness amongst MSM and youth, such as the Well being of Youth in Social Happiness (WYSH) project, an education program targeting junior and high schools students