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Chong Kun-khum has lived in Taiwan for over a decade. Originally from Malaysia he tested positive for HIV in 2023, causing his life to change overnight.



“The cost of medication, legal status, health insurance and regulations constantly remind us that we don’t belong here,” Chong told TaiwanPlus News.



While the government has worked to reduce cases and provide HIV-positive foreign residents with medication, the high cost of treatment has only added to their difficulties.



Learn more about Chong’s story and living in Taiwan as an HIV-positive foreigner on TaiwanPlus News’ YouTube channel.





Reporter: Irene Lin

Videographer: Klein Wang

Video Editor: Alison Nguyen



#TaiwanPlusNews #Taiwan #Foreigner #HIV

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News
Transcript
00:00Sharing his story by video call is Zhuang Kong Kun.
00:26Originally from Malaysia, he's lived in Taiwan for over a decade.
00:30He tested positive for HIV in 2023 and recalls how his life changed overnight.
00:36Zhuang is one of many foreign residents with HIV eligible for national health insurance.
00:41But that only kicks in to cover expensive medications two years after diagnosis and treatment.
00:47And there are other restrictions for insurance coverage.
00:49One must be employed in legal work, have valid residency after six months of living here,
00:54and have notified health authorities about their diagnosis.
00:58NGO Taiwan Lord Association is one of few groups helping those who can't afford medication
01:03by buying cheaper generic brands.
01:05If a外籍 friend doesn't have a financial condition,
01:08you can ask him to buy these drugs.
01:10For example, every month you have $1,300 or $1,400.
01:13He may not be able to pay for it.
01:15Taiwan's CDC says it hears these demands
01:17and will consider expanding insurance coverage
01:20to help more vulnerable individuals among foreign residents.
01:23While the government and NGOs work to better inform the public about HIV and AIDS,
01:28HIV-positive foreigners may also hope for a future where no one is left behind.
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