Mediway Medical Centre provides confidential HIV testing, prevention (PrEP and PEP), and long-term HIV care at our clinic at The Riverwalk, Clarke Quay. This page explains what HIV is, how it spreads, symptoms to know, and your options for testing, prevention, and treatment in Singapore, with full PDPA-compliant privacy.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Qiao Yufei, MD
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body's CD4 immune cells, the cells that help the body fight infection. Without treatment, HIV progressively weakens the immune system and can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
The good news: HIV is no longer a death sentence. With modern antiretroviral therapy (ART), most people diagnosed with HIV today can expect a near-normal lifespan and, when the virus is fully suppressed, cannot pass it to sexual partners, known as "U=U" (Undetectable = Untransmittable).
In Singapore, HIV is a manageable chronic condition with well-established clinical pathways, government subsidy schemes, and confidential care options at both public and private clinics.
HIV is transmitted through four main routes in Singapore.
HIV progresses through three clinical stages if untreated. Many people have no symptoms for years, which is why testing is the only way to know your status.
Many people have no symptoms or mistake them for a cold. HIV is highly transmissible at this stage.
Regular testing is the only way to detect HIV in this stage.
With modern ART started early, progression to AIDS is preventable.
Four HIV test options at our clinic, ranging from $30 to $580. The right test depends on how recent your potential exposure is and how early you need a reliable result:
For full test details, preparation, window-period guidance, and booking, see our HIV Testing page.
Three pillars of HIV prevention at Mediway.
Consistent condom use during vaginal, anal, and oral sex remains the foundational prevention method. Condoms also reduce risk of other STDs including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and hepatitis B.
STD overview →Daily or on-demand medication taken by HIV-negative people to prevent HIV infection before potential exposure. Over 99% effective when taken correctly. Truvada (generic) or Descovy (branded).
Full PrEP service →Emergency 28-day medication course after potential HIV exposure. Must start within 72 hours: the earlier the better. Truvada + raltegravir or dolutegravir.
Full PEP service →Additional: Hepatitis B vaccination shares transmission routes with HIV and is commonly co-offered. Regular STI testing reduces baseline risk by catching concurrent infections early.
If you test positive for HIV, treatment is available. Modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppresses the virus to undetectable levels, stopping immune damage and preventing transmission to partners (U=U).
At Mediway we provide:
For complex cases (drug-resistant HIV, co-infections (tuberculosis, hepatitis), or advanced immune suppression), we refer to infectious-disease specialists at public hospitals (NCID, DSC Clinic) or private consultants.
Treatment is lifelong, but modern single-tablet regimens are well-tolerated and highly effective.
Book HIV Treatment Consultation →A HIV-positive diagnosis is life-changing, but not life-ending. Here's what Singapore residents with HIV should know.
Antiretroviral medications are available through public schemes (MediShield Life, MOH subsidies, Medical Assistance Fund for eligible citizens). Most patients can access affordable ART; our team helps you navigate schemes during treatment consultations.
Singapore's Infectious Diseases Act requires disclosure to sexual partners in certain contexts. Our team provides guidance on how to have these conversations safely, plus partner-notification information sheets.
Singapore no longer restricts travel for HIV-positive people (rules changed in 2015). Check destination country rules if travelling abroad.
Action for AIDS Singapore (AFA) offers peer support groups and counselling. Our clinical team can refer to counselling services if helpful.
HIV-related care is especially sensitive. Here's how we protect privacy end-to-end.
Note on positive results: Singapore law (Infectious Diseases Act) requires doctors to notify MOH of confirmed HIV-positive diagnoses for public-health surveillance. This notification happens after a confirmed positive diagnosis and is separate from testing: if you are only screening and results are negative, no notification occurs. We explain this in full at consultation.
If you have questions about privacy before booking, please message our team on WhatsApp.
Book an HIV test, start PrEP, or get urgent PEP within 72 hours of exposure.
Mediway Medical Centre
20 Upper Circular Road, #B1-26/29 The Riverwalk, Singapore 058416
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE5), Exit E (3 min walk)
Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30am–6pm · Sat 7:30am–1pm · Closed Sun & PH
Phone: +65 6909 0190
WhatsApp: +65 8779 9898