The epidemiology of HIV/AIDS and the use of antiretroviral therapy in Korea: a narrative review
The availability of combined antiretroviral therapy has significantly reduced the number of new HIV infections and the associated mortality, and HIV infection has become a chronic disease with long-term survival. In Korea, more than 1,000 new...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Ewha Womans University College of Medicine
2024-07-01
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| Series: | The Ewha Medical Journal |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.e-emj.org/archive/view_article?pid=emj-47-3-36 |
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| Summary: | The availability of combined antiretroviral therapy has significantly reduced the
number of new HIV infections and the associated mortality, and HIV infection has
become a chronic disease with long-term survival. In Korea, more than 1,000 new
HIV infections have been registered annually since 2013. After peaking at 1,223
in 2019, the number of new infections decreased between 2020 and 2023. In 2023,
the majority of newly HIV-infected people were men, and the proportions of young
people under 40 years, homosexual contacts and foreigners increased. Acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related deaths from opportunistic infections
associated with immunosuppression and AIDS-defining cancers are gradually
decreasing, whereas non-AIDS defining comorbidities such as non-AIDS defining
cancers, cardiovascular disease and metabolic complications are emerging as
major causes of death. Since the introduction of zidovudine, approximately 30
antiretroviral drugs have been approved for the treatment of HIV infection.
Early and continuous antiretroviral treatment for all people living with HIV is
an effective strategy for maintaining viral suppression and preventing
transmission of HIV infection. In conclusion, achieving the
95–95–95 target among those living with HIV in Korea requires
multifaceted efforts to improve early diagnosis, early and proper treatment of
HIV infection including the management of chronic diseases, and adherence to
antiretroviral therapy. |
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| ISSN: | 2234-2591 |