State Public Relations Policy for AIDS Prevention in South Korea

Cha Jeongok, Hwang Se-hee, Oh Eun Jung, Yun Jaekyu, Kong Insik
Division of HIV and TB Control, Center for Disease Prevention, KCDC

December 1st marks the commemoration of World AIDS Day. On that day, campaigns and events are held to promote awareness and prevention of AIDS in South Korea and other parts of the world. This year's theme, "Communities Make the Difference," highlights how communities are central to responding to people living with AIDS. Since the first reported cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in 1985, South Korea has carried out various state promotion policies and projects and continues to push forward public relations policies tailored to changing generations.
South Korea carries out projects such as introducing and promoting free anonymous tests, distributing condoms for safe sex, and campaigning for AIDS prevention via local governments and private institutions. The results of this study showed that the general public's knowledge of AIDS is expanding and the stigma attached to AIDS is gradually fading, but numerous social issues continue to arise. The international community supports the necessity of eliminating discrimination and stigma against infected people. In response, the South Korean government plans to sponsor AIDS awareness projects aimed at promoting public health by ensuring treatment opportunities for infected people.

Keywords: AIDS, World AIDS Day, National Public Relations Policy, Discrimination and Exploitation