Partner notification program and possibility of including it in the HIV prevention strategies in Japan

This article discusses the possibility of implementing partner notification program as a part of HIV prevention strategy in Japan. Relevant factors, like HIV seroprevalence, general population attitudes toward HIV, legislation, resources, barriers, behavioral changes, cost and effectiveness are analyzed in Japanese perspectives. Effectiveness of this program is also predicted based on the two informal contact tracing program in Japan. At the same time a review was made on the global perspectives of partner notification program and operational procedures are also outlined. Published literatures were investigated regarding prevalence of new HIV infection among the partners who underwent testing (11-39%), cost per new HIV positive case found (US $810-3,205), and secondary infection rate (11-20%) in Japan. Having considered all relevant factors we recommend that the partner notification program be implemented, initially in a limited area, then all over Japan. Further analysis on cost-benefit of this program remains to be done.