China sets 9 steps to fight AIDS

cctv.com 06-16-2005 16:17

China's State Council has underscored the importance of fighting HIV/AIDS, by putting forward nine steps for prevention and control of the deadly disease. Premier Wen Jiabao presided over the meeting, which urged all levels of government to fully realize the importance and urgency of the AIDS crisis.

At the meeting, participants agreed the whole of Chinese society should actively participate in the fight against AIDS.

Arms of the government and social organizations were urged to formulate action plans, and view AIDS prevention and treatment as a key public welfare task in the years ahead. And budgets should reflect this.

Participants pushed for the strengthening of HIV/AIDS education,`improved public awareness, and enhanced networks to monitor the disease.

It was also decided that intervention for high-risk groups and crackdowns on drug trafficking, drug use and prostitution must be continued.

And blood collection and the operation of blood donation centers must be done according to the law and in accordance with safety standards.

Attendees said local governments must continue to provide free anonymous testing and free treatment to HIV carriers, including medicine. They agreed free services must also include the education of orphans of AIDS victims, and care for their families.

The meeting also pushed localities to protect the legal rights of

HIV carriers, fight against discrimination, and to strengthen the moral and legal education of HIV carriers.

It was decided HIV/AIDS prevention and control in the rural and migrant population must also be enhanced. Governments at all levels must give more support to rural areas, and formulate preventive measures for the migrant population.

Another point was that scientific research of HIV/AIDS, including vaccines and treatments, must be sped up. Professional medical training must also be strengthened.

Finally, the meeting called for the improvement of regulations for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and requiring all work be done according to the law.

China's first HIV/AIDS case was reported in 1985. Now, 30 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities all have HIV/AIDS cases. Most of the patients are between the ages of 20 to 40, and the major causes of infection are through drug use and sexual contact. Experts have warned that the number of HIV/AIDS carriers in China will reach ten million, if prevention and control measures aren't carried out and implemented in time.

1. China's entire society should actively participate.

2. Governments at all levels and social organizations should consider AIDS prevention and treatment a key task of public health

3. HIV/AIDS education must be strengthened, while monitoring networks should be improved.

4. Intervention for high-risk groups and crackdowns on drugs and prostitution must be continued. Blood collection must be

regulated by law.

5. Free treatment for AIDS patients and education for the orphans of AIDS victims must be provided.

6. Legal rights of HIV carriers must be protected.

7. HIV/AIDS prevention and control among the rural and migrant population must be strengthened.

8. Scientific research concerning HIV/AIDS must be sped up.

9. Improved regulation of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment efforts is urged.

Editor:Wang  Source:CCTV.com