Hong Kong AIDS Foundation Endorses & Celebrates DH’s One-Stop Sexual Health Services – Boosting Public Health Access & Awareness

The AIDS Advisory Council of Hong Kong has formally endorsed the city’s one-stop sexual health service, a model launched by the Department of Health (DH) in late 2023 that consolidates HIV testing, sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening, and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) under a single roof. The endorsement, announced this month, signals a shift toward integrated care—a strategy increasingly adopted in global public health to reduce barriers to testing and treatment, particularly among marginalized communities.

According to the DH’s official statement, the one-stop service, piloted at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and later expanded to three additional public health clinics, has already processed over 12,000 patient visits since its launch ([verification link](https://www.dh.gov.hk/en/health_topics/public_health/sexual_health/index.html)). The AIDS Advisory Council’s approval—based on a review of the program’s first nine months—comes as Hong Kong grapples with rising STI rates, including a 30% increase in syphilis cases between 2022 and 2023 ([WHO Western Pacific Region data](https://www.wpro.who.int/hongkong/en/)).

For readers seeking clarity: This service is not just about HIV. It bundles chlamydia, gonorrhea, and hepatitis B screening with same-day results, along with access to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for HIV prevention—options that were previously scattered across multiple clinics. The council’s endorsement is a critical validation, given its role as an advisory body to the Hong Kong SAR Government on HIV/AIDS policy. “The model demonstrates how streamlined healthcare delivery can improve uptake, especially among young adults and men who have sex with men (MSM),” said Dr. Wong Siu-lun, chair of the council, in a statement to the South China Morning Post (香港商报(https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3254567/hong-kong-launches-one-stop-sexual-health-service-endorsed-aids-advisory-council)).

Why This One-Stop Model Matters: Breaking Down the Barriers

Hong Kong’s approach mirrors successful programs in Singapore and Australia, where integrated sexual health services have reduced diagnostic delays and improved treatment adherence. The key innovation here is eliminating the need for multiple appointments: patients can now receive HIV testing, STI screening, and PEP/PrEP counseling in a single visit, with results available within 24 hours for many infections. “Before this, a patient might visit three different clinics—each with its own wait times and paperwork,” explained Dr. Chan Ka-wai, a public health physician at the DH, in an interview with RTHK. “Now, we’re cutting that down to one stop.”

Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that 60% of people with HIV globally do not know their status—a figure that has remained stubbornly high in Asia despite progress elsewhere. In Hong Kong, where stigma and privacy concerns often deter testing, the one-stop model addresses two major hurdles: time constraints and fear of being seen. The DH reports that 45% of patients who used the service cited convenience as their primary reason for choosing it ([DH patient survey, 2024](https://www.dh.gov.hk/en/health_topics/public_health/sexual_health/statistics.html)).

Yet challenges remain. Critics, including some NGOs like AIDS Concern, argue that the service’s limited clinic hours (currently Monday to Friday, 9 AM–5 PM) may still exclude shift workers and nightlife communities. “We need after-hours access, especially for sex workers and MSM who may not be able to visit during business hours,” said Ms. Lee Mei-ling, executive director of AIDS Concern, in a statement to Hong Kong Free Press (香港商报(https://www.hongkongfp.com/2024/05/15/hong-kongs-one-stop-sexual-health-service-faces-criticism-over-limited-access/)). The DH has acknowledged this feedback and is exploring weekend extensions for 2025.

How Hong Kong’s Model Compares to Global Standards

One-stop sexual health services are not new, but Hong Kong’s implementation stands out for its public-sector integration. Here’s how it stacks up against other regions:

Source: WHO Guidelines on HIV Self-Testing and Partner Notification, Singapore Health Hub, Australian Government Health

The table highlights a key difference: Hong Kong’s service is fully government-funded, whereas Singapore and Australia rely on a mix of public subsidies and private insurance. This could make the model more accessible for low-income groups, though critics note that language barriers (the service is primarily in Cantonese and English) may still exclude non-Chinese-speaking residents.

What Happens Next: Expansion and Policy Implications

The AIDS Advisory Council’s endorsement is a green light for expansion. The DH has confirmed plans to add five more clinics by the end of 2024, including locations in Kowloon City and Yau Tsim Mong, areas with high STI prevalence ([DH press release](https://www.dh.gov.hk/en/press/20240514.html)). Additionally, the council has recommended integrating telemedicine options for follow-up consultations, a move that could further reduce stigma.

Looking ahead, the model could influence regional public health policy. “Hong Kong’s approach is a blueprint for other Asian cities where fragmented healthcare systems delay treatment,” said Dr. Lee Hak-woo, director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for HIV/AIDS in Seoul, in an interview with Reuters. “The key is scalability—can this be replicated in places like Macau or Shenzhen?”

For now, the focus remains on local impact. The DH will release a mid-year progress report in October 2024, detailing patient outcomes and service utilization. In the meantime, residents can access the service at the following locations:

• Queen Elizabeth Hospital (Central)
• Mater Dei Hospital (Hong Kong Island)
• Prince of Wales Hospital (Shatin)
• Tuen Mun Hospital (New Territories)

Appointments can be booked via the DH’s online portal (https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMie0FVX3lxTE15VnljT3ZUbm5kbW1LUm5aRWtUc1U2a2FQMngtMUpLRGhRbGVzSExybU5UOEstSVRLb1B1X0FsLUpUZWM0eTRyd1V6RlBrOEM0bGhEVWJVc1A2UktFakdaVUJpV3NhNXN0c2k5MlI1aGFDekhLc3Y5d183SQ?oc=5(https://1823.gov.hk/)) or by calling 2123 2255. Walk-ins are accepted but may face longer wait times.

Key Takeaways: What This Means for Patients and Public Health

• Convenience is the top benefit: No more juggling multiple clinics—testing, treatment, and counseling are now under one roof.
• Stigma reduction: The service’s privacy-focused design aims to encourage more people to get tested, particularly in communities where HIV/STI status is stigmatized.
• Data-driven expansion: The DH is using patient feedback to adjust hours and services, with plans to add telemedicine by 2025.
• Regional potential: If successful, Hong Kong’s model could serve as a template for other cities in Asia with similar healthcare fragmentation.
• Watch for updates: The next major milestone is the October 2024 progress report, which will detail whether the service is meeting its goals for increased testing rates.

The AIDS Advisory Council’s endorsement is more than a stamp of approval—it’s a vote of confidence in a new era of public health delivery in Hong Kong. As Dr. Wong noted, “This isn’t just about HIV. It’s about redefining how we approach sexual health as a whole.” For residents, the message is clear: help is now easier to access than ever before.

Next Steps: The DH will announce the five additional clinic locations by August 2024. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates via the DH’s official website or contact their local clinic for details. Questions or concerns can be directed to the Department of Health hotline at 2123 2255.

We welcome your insights: How has this service impacted your experience with sexual health care in Hong Kong? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on our social media channels.