China's Ministry of Health has vowed to raise AIDS awareness in
at least 60 percent of migrant workers.
The ministry will organize publicity events in construction
sites, service sectors, railway stations and bus stations. It will
inform them of the free treatment policy and encourage them to take
HIV tests and receive treatment.
According to a survey released by the research center of the
State Council, China has about 120 million migrant workers.
Because migrant workers are a floating population, it makes it
difficult for the health institutions to provide health education
to migrant workers, monitor and give follow-up checkups after
treatment, the ministry said.
The ministry plans to research the status of AIDS prevention
among migrant workers in coastal cities and capitals of central
provinces and organize experts to work out detailed measures to
strengthen AIDS awareness among migrant workers.
China has approximately 650,000 HIV infected people including
around 75,000 AIDS patients, according to recent official
estimates.
The HIV/AIDS prevention regulation says that governments at all
levels should place adverts on AIDS prevention in conspicuous areas
of public venues.
(Xinhua News Agency May 17, 2006)