In 2007 approximately 33.2 million people around the world were living with HIV or AIDS, with the largest percentage of cases being in Africa. Despite attempts to contain this global epidemic the numbers continue to grow, with Japan being no exception.

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In 2006, Japan reached an all time HIV and AIDS high with 952 cases of HIV being reported and 406 AIDS cases. Since 1996 cases have continued to rise here and the increase in newly reported AIDS cases is a phenomenon that is not seen in any other first world country. The general public has long thought of AIDS as an overseas problem, not a domestic one, but the statistics can no longer be ignored.

Medicine that slows the progression from HIV to AIDS has enabled other developed countries to decrease the AIDS number. But over the past few years in Japan about 30% of people with AIDS were discovered without prior diagnosis of HIV. This rise is thought to be the result of lacking early detection.

Most infections were through sexual contact. Although the rate of condom use in Japan is high, awareness of the risks when you don’t use one remains low, especially among youth.

Campus AIDS Interface is a group of volunteers who provide free take-home STD test kits for people under 25. They have a small orange van they often park around Tokyo at parks, at major markets – such as the Earth Day Markets – and at music festivals. Test kits can be picked up from the van and your results are anonymously sent in. A few weeks later you can check the outcome online through a number system.

In 2007, on the streets of Shibuya, a group trying to raise STD awareness “Stop! STD o Kangaeru Kai” conducted a revealing STD survey. Of the 466 Japanese high school students and teenage high school graduates surveyed one out of 17 had contracted an STD. 80% knew what an STD was, but only 20% knew correct information about them. Only half of the participants were aware that AIDS was spreading among young people.

 

To help the public grasp the situation, and deal with it once diagnosed, the government and local NPOs have undertaken a number of measures.

The Japanese Foundation for AIDS Prevention has a 24 hour pre-recorded support line, which provides general information about AIDS, counseling, and information about services such as testing and treatment. All information is available in Japanese, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Thai, Chinese, Korean, and Tagalog.

Free anonymous testing has been made available at the public health center of each ward. You will need to call in advance as test dates and times are limited.

NPOs, like Oxfam Japan, Africa Japan Forum, and Share, have been drawing attention to the issue of AIDS in Japan and abroad. The G8 summit, held in July 2008, was the perfect opportunity to raise issues of global health with both members of the Japanese public and the World leaders who took part in the meeting.

NPOS, like the ones mentioned, hold a number of events throughout the year to increase knowledge of the situation and generate funds for their efforts.

One of the most well known is World AIDS Day, held on December 1st each year. Around the world, the theme of the day is leadership and the event aims to create global consciousness of the situation. Volunteers from the Japanese group, World AIDS Day Series (WADS), will be handing out leaflets about HIV/AIDS near busy stations and also giving lectures at High Schools about the epidemic. In 2008, they also plan to focus on letting more people know about the free HIV/AIDS testing available at public health centers. Check out their official website, closer to the day, to see what other events they have going on.

If you want information in English try popular blogs like that of Tokyo-based nonprofit NGO consultant, Sarajean for up-to-date English information about events like World AIDS Day.

Japan’s statistics clearly show the situation here is worsening and this dilemma is one that can no longer be dismissed as another country’s problem.

 

Story by Karryn Cartelle
All Rights Reserved, Spinshell Inc.
Spinshell Reports are three minute episodes of useful information about visiting and living in Japan.

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Tags: hiv, japan, Oxfam, sex, STD

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