January 26, 2006

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China's AIDS population

The Chinese government has released its count of HIV/AIDS cases and as was expected it was significantly lower than previously thought.

The new survey, conducted with the World Health Organization and Unaids, lowered the country's estimated number of HIV and AIDS cases to 650,000 from the official 840,000 figure released in 2003. Many experts and AIDS activists have long believed that China had at least 1.5 million cases, possibly far more.

At a news conference, Chinese and international health officials endorsed the new findings but also warned that China still has a serious AIDS problem that could rapidly worsen if testing, education and treatment programs are not expanded.
That's the good news. But...
...the survey found that while the overall number of cases is less than previously believed, the rate of infection is rising, with 70,000 new cases in 2005. Drug users and prostitutes transmitted the virus in most of these cases, but the report also found that the disease is now spreading from such high-risk groups into the general population, raising the risk of a broader level of infections.

...Since late 2003, China has mounted an aggressive nationwide campaign against AIDS and introduced pilot programs that provide condoms, methadone and even anti-retroviral drugs for free.

The joint effort between China, the World Health Organization and Unaids in drafting the study reflected the improved openness of Chinese health officials on the issue. But that collaboration also underscored the fact that the outside world would probably be skeptical of any study conducted solely by the Chinese government.
The government is starting to confront and deal with the problem, and this new found "openness" in the survey is a promising development. Let's hope it continues, and not just on AIDS.

posted by Simon on 01.26.06 at 08:55 AM in the China food/environment/health category.




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Comments:

Yes, I believe the problem arose several years ago when the government overestimated the number of cases in the country, and then in 2003, when it realized its error, decided not to lower the figure and keep the number constant. This may be the first 'real' or partly accurate number we have seen.

But as you say, there is no reason for complacency given the trendline for increases.

posted by: HK Dave on 01.26.06 at 11:15 AM [permalink]

The Chinese government's strangle hold on the press is old news but the results from that hold has created a two faced China. One in which human rights violations, forced population movements by the government, or anything that might tarnish China's image to the world. The other face is the phenomenal economic success that the Chinese government fully endorses the press to print. The 21st century China will not jeapordize her economic growth even if it means lying to the world to achieve her goals.

Regards,
Mr. Chrysantha Wijeyasingha
New Orleans, LA. USa

posted by: Mr. Chrysantha Wijeyasisngha on 01.26.06 at 03:15 PM [permalink]




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