China is continuing its efforts in the global fight against HIV & AIDS. The Ministry of Health recently held a joint conference with the United Nations Program on HIV & AIDS, or UNAIDS.

China's efforts in controlling the spread of the disease in recent years were given recognition, and the country's Health Minister vowed to further promote international cooperation on the matter.

Since the 1980's, China has seen over 164,000 registered HIV&AIDS patients and 86,000 deaths attributed to the disease.

Minister of Health, Chen Zhu, revealed the figures at the joint conference with the UNAIDS' Theme Group in China.

According to Chen, even though the general HIV and AIDS infection rates in China can't be considered high, certain regions in the country and groups of people are facing heightened risks of contracting the disease.

Research conducted by the ministry shows that sex has become the main mechanism of transfer for HIV and AIDS in China.

The total budget for AIDS prevention at the central and local government levels has increased from 1.46 billion Yuan in 2006 to 3.06 last year. According to the Ministry, in general, HIV & AIDS infection in China has slowed down in recent years, and the patient mortality rate has dropped as well thanks to improved treatment methods.

UNAIDS recognized China's progress in the fight against HIV & AIDS, but it also pointed out areas where more efforts are needed, such as HIV&AIDS testing and the percentage of patients receiving treatment.