The newly reported HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) cases have been on the rise in mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, over the past 10 years. These three economies share similar cultural background and HIV epidemic with the majority of newly diagnosed cases concentrated in a few key populations, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), sex workers, injection drug users (IDUs), and university students. Governments in these three economies have endeavored to control HIV/STI epidemic; however, many infected people are still not tested on a timely basis and miss out on timely treatment. In order to timely detect HIV cases and efficiently prevent secondary transmission, innovative strategies are needed to identify, target, and engage key populations who are at high risk of transmission of HIV, for frequent HIV testing and treatment services. STIs can facilitate HIV transmission and cause serious morbidities. Timely diagnosis and treatment of STIs can further contribute to control of the HIV epidemic.

This journal will publish a theme issue dedicated to “innovative interventions that increase HIV/STI testing in key populations in mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.” Authors are invited to submit evidence-based manuscripts on relevant topics for publication in this issue. Original research, especially randomized controlled trials of new interventions, will receive the highest priority for publication. Rigorous studies on the epidemiology and management of HIV/STI testing behaviors in key populations are also of major interest. Systematic reviews and scholarly viewpoints on these topics, as well as on topics relevant to clinical, educational, policy, and public health aspects of HIV/STIs also would be of interest. Both quantitative and qualitative research are welcome.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• HIV/STI testing behaviors and factors related to delayed testing
• Measures of current epidemic trend of HIV/STI
• Measures to identify, target, and engage key populations in HIV/STI testing
• Identifying barriers for timely testing and treatment of HIV/STI
• Using innovative technologies (e.g., SMS reminder, smartphone geosocial networking applications) to increase HIV/STI testing
• Using community-based events to increase HIV/STI testing
• Using crowdsourcing method to increase HIV/STI testing and linkage to care
• Using HIV self-testing (HIVST) to promote HIV testing and linkage to care
• Mathematical modeling of new interventions to increase HIV/STI testing
• Policies and guidelines related to HIV/STI testing