Senior Minister of State for Health Balaji Sadasivan said the anti-AIDS strategy focuses on using more effective and cheaper methods such as preventing mother-to-child infections and getting the gay community involved.

Singapore has an estimated 4000-5000 persons suffering from AIDS, but only 2500 have been diagnosed, he told the American Chamber of Commerce Singapore. A record 311 new infections were reported last year.

While the number of infections here is small, the numbers in neighbouring countries are staggerring, with India and China seen to become the "new epicentres" with 10 million infected persons each by the end of the decade, Sadasivan said.

"Singapore is a global city and an international travel hub. We have to be prepared for the onslaught of AIDS in Asia," he said.

Sadasivan proposed an "alliance" betweeen the health ministry and top companies in the campaign to prevent infections and removing the social stigma attached to AIDS.

Companies should formulate an education program and draw up a "code of practice" that prevents discrimination against employees infected with the disease. This will allow them to seek treatment early and remain productive.

HIV is the virus that causes the deadly Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which is transmitted largely through unprotected sex and sharing intravenous needles.

Turning to the public campaign against AIDS, Sadasivan said Singapore's strategy was to focus on more effective methods including getting more pregnant mothers tested and encouraging infected persons to inform their spouses.

He cited a US study showing it would cost US$12,000 to prevent one infection if the campaign focused on helping HIV-positive mothers from passing on the virus to their child.

In contrast, mass campaigns cost a whopping US$250,000 per infection that is prevented but the method has proved to be the least effective, he said.

They are also likely to spark protests from certain sectors such as gay groups and the religious community.

"We will not allow in-your-face type of condom campaign," Sadasivan said, recalling how his ministry rejected a suggestion to hold a condom parade down Orchard Road, the main shopping belt.

"Our goal is not to create news. Our goal is to try and stop the spread of AIDS, " he said.


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