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High infection rate for gay groups

2009-12-02 08:45 BJT

The Health Ministry estimates that there have been 48 thousand new infections in 2009. Nearly one third occurred through male-to-male sexual transmission. Ren Ting has the story on how the authorities, and society, are trying to educate gay people on safe sex practices that just might save their lives.

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus is spreading especially quickly among homosexuals.

Health officials say this is a dangerous signal.

Zhang Fujie, director of HIV/AIDS Treatment & Care office,said, "In several big cities in the southwestern part of the country, the infection rate among gay people is high. In some sample surveys, 10 percent of homosexuals are HIV positive."

But that figure is quite conservative, as great social pressure forces most gay people in China to hide their sexual orientation.

This is the nation's first HIV/AIDS clinic that exclusively tests and treats homosexuals.

Founded in 2006, the center receives 15 to 20 visitors every day. About two people will test HIV positive on a daily basis.

Dr. Li Jiaoping of Rainboe Clinic,said, "We estimate that nine to ten percent of our patients are HIV positive. About 15 percent are also found to be infected with other venereal diseases."

A lack of safe sex knowledge is behind the high infection rate.

Dr. Zhang Li of Rainbow Clinic said, "I often say to them that they have to protect themselves during sexual intercourse. But many of them don't take it seriously. They don't think they are at a high risks to contract these diseases."

To disseminate knowledge, numerous volunteer programs have been launched throughout the nation.

The best volunteers are gay people themselves.

With the help of disease prevention and control centers, they organize gatherings and educate their peers on what's best for themselves, and others.

Volunteer of HIV/AIDS Prevention program,said, "Many can accept us well when they know what we do is good for their health. Some even become volunteers like us."

It's being proven effective for gay people to help others like themselves. Even more help should come from every aspect of society.

Editor: Zhang Ning | Source: CCTV.com