Singapore - Many Singaporeans are still baffled by the basic facts about HIV and AIDS, despite years of public awareness campaigns, a study said on Saturday. One-third of respondents mistakenly believed the virus can be spread through mosquito bites and kissing, according to the survey conducted by World Vision, an international development organization.
More than half of the 705 respondents were unaware that HIV can be spread through breastfeeding.
"The results show there is a need to sensitize people to HIV/AIDS before it becomes a silent pandemic," The Straits Times quoted Elaine Tan, director of World Vision in Singapore, as saying.
The results showed a mistrust of those with HIV and AIDS, with half those surveyed saying they would be uncomfortable around someone with the disease.
Most knew the virus cannot be spread by sharing food, but more than half said they would hesitate to have a meal with someone who was HIV positive.
One out of 11 said they would shy away from taking an HIV/AIDS test even if they knew they might have the disease.
World Vision officials, however, were encouraged that more than 80 per cent of the respondents knew they could prevent HIV transmission by using a condom.
