Gov´t: Fewer new HIV cases in 2007

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-30-2007 09:39

The Ministry of Health says there have been 50,000 newly reported HIV cases in the country so far this year but that the spread of the virus has slowed. It says efforts to contain the disease have proved effective.

This year's 50,000 new infections is a sharp drop from the 70,000 in 2005.

But the Ministry of Health acknowledges the actual number of the infected may be 700-thousand, over 3 times the official records.

Nearly half of the new infections are from heterosexual transmission, overtaking intravenous drug use.

Health Minister Chen Zhu said, "To deal with the new transmitting method, China has adopted regulations on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. This is to put all the efforts into a legal framework. Now we have clear targets, principles and strategies. This is one of the most important reasons for our achievements."

Latest figures show that the increase rate is low on the nationwide level, but remains high in certain regions and population groups.

Risky behavior by men who have sex with men remains widespread, with just a third using condoms.

To deal with the new situation, education and prevention have become the priorities of the campaign.

But problems remain in implementing policies at the local level.

Chen Zhu said, "The theme for this year's World AIDS Day" is leadership. Our goals cannot be reached without the efforts from leaders at all levels. We need to enhance HIV/AIDS education for both leaders and the general population.