The HIV-positive status of 14,200 people, as well as their names, identification numbers, phone numbers and medical information, has been stolen and leaked online by a foreigner who resided in Singapore. The Hong Kong AIDS Foundation expresses its deep concern about this shocking news. We also understand that this is a difficult time for the many who have been affected by this terrible incident.
The Foundation calls for the Hong Kong Government to take serious care of both patient rights and any personal data relating to their health status (e.g. HIV-positive status). Our government should also strengthen all types of education and promotion programmes to make it very clear to the public that any leaking of confidential personal data is in fact a criminal act. Furthermore, those perpetrating such a criminal act should be reprimanded and punished appropriately. . We also urge the public to refrain from sharing any leaked details if they come across such information.
The Hong Kong AIDS Foundation has been providing free, confidential and anonymous HIV tests since our inception. We respect your privacy and strive to implement all relevant policies to safeguard your data. We fully understand that patients’ data and their test results are extremely sensitive and must be kept strictly confidential and away from the public eyes.
If you would like to make an appointment for a private and free HIV test to learn more about your health status, please call our AIDS Helpline at 2513 0513.