[Foreigner HIV/AIDS Notifications in the Republic of Korea in 2023]

To describe the characteristics of foreigners newly infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) by analyzing 2023 notified HIV infection datas and epidemiological investigations.

Data reported to the Integrated Disease Management System for 2023 were analyzed, including the status of foreign cases, nationality, and infection routes.

In 2023, the number of new HIV infections among foreigners was 256, an increase of 6.2% (15 people) from the previous year. Men accounted for 185 (72.3%) of the total cases. Most infections occurred in foreigners aged in their 30s (n=104, 40.6%), followed by those in their 20s (n=62, 24.2%) and 40s (n=56, 21.9%). The nationality of those infected was Thai (n=52, 21.4%), followed by Chinese (n=33, 13.6%), and Uzbek (n=23, 9.5%). The routes of infection were sexual contact in (n=142, 94.7%), heterosexual sexual contact (n=90, 60.0%), and homosexual sexual contact (n=52, 34.7%). Among foreigners, 52.7% (79 people) were infected domestically, while 47.3% (71 people) were infected outside Korea.

The incidence of HIV infections among foreigners in Korea has continued to increase in recent years, from 19.5% in 2020 to 20.8% in 2021, 22.6% in 2022, and 25.5% in 2023. As foreigners are not eligible for social security services, such as health insurance, treatment and preventive management strategies for foreigners need to be considered. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has prepared a detailed implementation plan for the 2nd National Action Plan on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control (2024-2028) and is actively implementing management measures for vulnerable groups, including foreigners.