(Central News Agency reporter Tseng I-ning, Taipei, June 17) The HIV 'wolf driver' case involving a school bus driver in central Taiwan has drawn public attention. Kuomintang legislator Su Ching-chuan raised concerns today about the future marriage and childbirth rights of the victims. Lo Yi-chun, Director of the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, explained that with lifelong antiretroviral therapy, the virus can be suppressed to undetectable levels, making transmission impossible. He also noted that for infected individuals who become pregnant, publicly funded medications are available to prevent vertical mother-to-child transmission.

The Social Welfare and Public Health Committee of the Legislative Yuan continued its review today of the central government's 2026 (fiscal year 115) budget, inviting Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Jong-tsung and other officials to attend.

Kuomintang legislator Lu Hsien-yi proposed a budget reduction of NT$10 million for the 'National Integrated Epidemic Prevention Joint Action Plan' under the National Health Research Institutes' development plan, citing concerns of overlap with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and CDC operations. The proposal received co-sponsorship from fellow KMT legislators Su Ching-chuan and Wang Yu-min.

During the session, Su questioned the role of the National Health Research Institutes, noting the high budget allocation for this plan while recent HIV transmission incidents have occurred.

NHRI Vice President Hsu Hui-heng explained that during the recent HIV incident and earlier discussed Hantavirus infections, NHRI's Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology and epidemic prevention physicians collaborated with the CDC.

Su further questioned CDC Director Lo Yi-chun, stating that the driver deceived multiple individuals, causing public panic. 'HIV infection is so terrifying—does this mean the victims' lives are ruined forever?' He asked whether the victims' future marriage and childbirth would be affected.

Lo explained that after identifying a common infection source during epidemiological investigation, local health authorities quickly coordinated with social welfare and police agencies to provide screening, psychological counseling, and support services for victims. Following recent media coverage, case management and psychological support have been further strengthened. All confirmed HIV cases are now under follow-up treatment at designated hospitals, with stable conditions. No new cases have been detected in recent months, and the outbreak is assessed as under control.

Regarding treatment, Lo stated that HIV is now managed as a chronic condition with long-term therapy. After about six months of stable medication, lifelong adherence can suppress the virus to undetectable and non-transmissible levels (Undetectable = Untransmittable, or U=U), with minimal side effects and good health outcomes for patients.

On pregnancy and childbirth, Lo explained that by maintaining stable medication to achieve undetectable viral loads, along with preventive medication during and after delivery, appropriate delivery methods, preventive treatment for newborns, and use of breast milk substitutes, the risk of newborn infection can be reduced to below 2%. Publicly funded medications are currently available in Taiwan, which do not adversely affect the fetus or delivery process. Taiwan has not reported any new cases of mother-to-child transmission in recent years.

The budget proposal was ultimately revised to a main resolution, with no budget freeze or cuts, but requiring the Ministry of Health and Welfare to submit a separate written report. (Edited by Chloe Tsai) 1150617

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  • Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
  • Category: Taiwan