Since the first cases of HIV infection in 1985, the number of notified new HIV infection cases increased to 1,199 in 2016. Among them, male (1,105 cases) was 11.8 times higher than female (94 cases). The age group of 20-49 accounted for 76.4% of notified new HIV infection cases. At the end of 2016, the number of people living with HIV was 11,439.
Although South Korea remains one of the low HIV/AIDS prevalence countries in the western pacific, the Korea government has strongly been providing comprehensive healthcare services such as anonymous HIV check-ups, antiretroviral therapies, and preventive education and counseling without cost. In addition, KCDC is striving to not only raise public awareness but also eliminate social prejudices on people living with HIV by providing accurate information on HIV/AIDS.