China has planned to spend 3.86 billion yuan (about US$476
million) on AID/HIV prevention and control efforts in three years
beginning from this year.
The central government has attached great importance to HIV/AIDS
prevention and control work, with the financial support in this
regard keeping rising, according to a report on development of
Chinese youth for 1998-2004 period.
The report was published by China Youth and Children Research
Center and the Department of International Communications with the
Central Committee of the China Communist Youth League.
According to the report, the state coffers shed 1.2 billion yuan
(US$149 million) on HIV/AIDS prevention and control between 2003
and 2004, comparing 100 million yuan (US$12.39) in 2001.
In addition to drafting a range of median and long-term plans
concerning HIV/AIDS prevention and control, China has also
constructed 127 demonstration zones across the country with the
mission of preventing and controlling HIV/AIDS in a comprehensive
way.
In the meantime, relevant departments have also stepped up
efforts to publicize knowledge on puberty, sex, blood donation
gratis, narcotics control, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted
diseases (STD).
Special lectures on HIV/AIDS prevention and control, prohibition
of narcotics and environmental protection were given at all primary
and middle schools across the country starting from the spring
semester in 2003.
Courses featuring prevention and control of HIV/AIDS are offered
at all Chinese colleges of higher learning and middle schools by
this year.
China had about 840,000 HIV carriers by late 2004. Out of the
reported HIV carriers, 82 percent were people aged 20 to 39, and
7.4 percent were teenagers below the age of 19, said the
report.
(Xinhua News Agency December 28, 2005)