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China HIV/AIDS Chronology
1985
6 June 1985
China
announced its first
AIDS-related death. The Public Health Ministry (MOH) stated that an Argentine tourist from the United States
"died of severe lung infection and respiratory failure" on 6 June 1985 at the Peking Union College Hospital.
"According to his family, the patient was diagnosed in the United States as having contracted AIDS," the
ministry office said.
––“China Says Argentine Died of AIDS,” New York Times,
30 July 1985, p. 5; in Lexis-Nexis Academic
Universe, 5 June 1985, http://www.lexisnexis.com.
3 September 1985
China's Ministry of Health announced that China has banned
all blood products from entering China, except for a small quantity of human serum albumin. This
action was done to prevent AIDS from entering China.
––“China Bans Import of Blood Products," Xinhua,
3 September 1985; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 3 September 1985,
http://www.lexisnexis.com.
9 October 1985
China's Disease
Prevention Center in Beijing reported that out of 310 AIDS exams conducted in eight provinces, no cases of
HIV were reported.
––“China on guard Against AIDS," United Press International, 9 October
1985; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 9
October 1985, http://www.lexisnexis.com.
29 November 1985
The Guangming Daily reported that the
central government should ban homosexuality, require blood tests for all foreigners and ban the importation
of all blood products in China except for limited amounts of plasma globulin. The recommendations were made
to stop AIDS from entering China.
––"China Calls for Sexual Restraint to Prevent AIDS,"
Associated Press, 2 December 1985; in
Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 December 1985, http://www.lexisnexis.com.
1986
25 August 1986
Citing that the old laws are no long adequate under the "Opening Up Policy," the Chinese government is
expected to pass a law requiring all foreigners who plan to stay within China for six months or more, to
undergo medical exams for HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. "It is intended to prevent
infectious diseases from spreading both inside and outside China from seaports, airports, and exit and entry
stations along borders," reported China Daily.
––"China Preparing Quarantine Law Aimed at AIDS," United Press
International, 25 August 1986; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe,
25 August 1986, http://www.lexisnexis.com.
1 September 1986
The International Pathology Society hosted a week-long
conference in Vienna, Austria. One of the main topics of the conference was HIV/AIDS and pathogenic
bacterium. Along with eastern European countries, this was China first time taking part in the conference.
Other issues discussed were pulmonary tuberculosis.
––"International Conference Discussed AIDS," Xinhua, 1 September 1986;
in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 September 1986, http://www.lexisnexis.com.
20 October 1986
China’s Heath Ministry announced it is creating China’s first AIDS prevention team. Xinhua reported that the
ministry will establish a “team of 13 medical experts on virology, epidemiology and the combination of
Western and traditional Chinese medicine to monitor worldwide AIDS developments and prevent the disease in
China.”
––“China sets up AIDS Prevention Team,” United Press International, 20 October
1986; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 20 October 1986, http://www.lexisnexis.com.
22 October 1986
China Daily has reported that four Chinese have been confirmed
to be HIV positive. They were reportedly infected after “being injected with imported medication.” “The
official press has called for a crackdown on 'sexual liberalization' and homosexuality to prevent the spread
of the disease.” Western observers note that this is the first time the Chinese government has reported its
own citizens being HIV positive.
––“Four Chinese Found to Carry AIDS,”
Associated Press, 22 October 1986; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 22 October 1986,
http://www.lexisnexis.com.
24 October 1986
No one on the Chinese mainland has been found
to be suffering from AIDS, said Cao Qing, leader of a AIDS investigating team. Cao noted that four
Chinese hemophiliacs were found to be HIV positive after receiving blood products imported from the United
States. The four patients are said not to be suffering any symptoms.
––“China has not yet Discovered AIDS Patients," Xinhua, 24 October 1986; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 24 October 1986,
http://www.lexisnexis.com.
21 December 1986
During a recent venereal disease conference in Nanjing, the Ministry of
Health (MOH) reported it has recorded its first cases of venereal diseases (VD) in 22 years. Although the
report cited two specific cases, the MOH did not give any statistics on the number of cases which have been
found thus far. In order to combat the problem, the MOH has established the National Venereal Disease
Prevention Consultative Committee and set up VD testing centers in Beijing, Shanghai and other major cities,
the Xinmin Evening News reported.
––"China Reports first VD Cases in 22 Years," United Press International, 21 December 1986; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 21 December 1986,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 1987
7 February 1987
China reported its first AIDS-related death of a Chinese
person contracting AIDS in China. The victim was a 13-year-old hemophiliac boy who contracted AIDS from
imported blood products.
––"AIDS Virus-Infected
Patients Taken Good Care of," Xinhua, 7 December 1987;
n Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 7 December 1987,
http://www.lexisnexis.com.
4 February 1987
In a commentary on the "decadent" American society, the
Peking Review stated that "rampant disastrous drug taking, alcoholism, robbery, homicide, suicide,
divorce, prostitution, homosexuality, syphilis, AIDS, and other social ills...come from their ideology."
––Donna Anderson, "Peking Daily Cautions Against
Western Threats of AIDS, Drugs," Associated Press, 4 February 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 4 February 1987,
http://www.lexisnexis.com.
March 1987
China reported its third AIDS-related death, a resident of Fujian
province who had lived in Hong Kong and New York for 15 years.
––Daniel Southerland, "China Stars AIDS Tests for Foreign Residents,"
Washington Post, 2 May 1987, p. A3; in Lexis-Nexis
Academic Universe, 2 May 987, http://www.lexisnexis.com.
19 March 1987
The city of Shenzhen has
established a monitoring station for the prevention and control of venereal diseases, one of ten set up
around China. Tourism is seen as a potential method of entry for venereal diseases and AIDS. According to
China News, "with the development of tourism in our country, the sources of contagion by venereal
diseases brought into China by foreign visitors are increasing."
––"Unit to Monitor Venereal Disease Set up in Shenzhen; Fear of
AIDS via Tourism," BBC, 19 March 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic
Universe, 25 March 1987, http://www.lexisnexis.com.
2 May 1987
China's Ministry of Health
(MOH) announced that all foreigners who intend on living in China for a year or more are required to obtain
a physician's certificate showing that they are HIV negative. China began testing some students and
foreign businessmen last year.
––Daniel
Southerland, "China Starts AIDS Tests for Foreign Residents," Washington Post, 2 May 1987, p. A3;
in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 May 1987,
http://www.lexisnexis.com.
4 May 1987
Under China's new Frontier Health and Quarantine
Law, Shanghai has set up monitoring stations in "hotels, restaurants and tourist and medical facilities to
offer physical check-ups, blood tests and 'other tests necessary to isolate AIDS,'" Xinhua reported.
Out of 900,000 people that passed through Shanghai last year, health officials found about 100 cases of
infectious diseases. The official added, "to date we have found no AIDS carriers entering the city."
––"Shanghai sets up Stations to Check Visitors for AIDS," United
Press International, 4 May 1987; in
Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 4 May 1987, http://www.lexisnexis.com.
18 June 1987
During an interview with China's Health News, Cao Qing, China's
anti-AIDS leader, urged stricter regulations on the importing of foreign blood products. Even though the
central government placed a ban on all imports of foreign blood in September 1984, port officials at Dalian
found that 60,000 units of gamma globulin imported in 1985 tested positive for HIV.
––“Stricter Control Urged Over Imported Blood Products,"
Xinhua, 18 June 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 18 June 1987, http://www.lexisnexis.com.
22 July 1987
According to Minister of Health Chen Minzhang,
HIV/AIDS in China can be checked because homosexuality and promiscuity, "which is how the disease is
spread," are limited in China, the China Youth News reported. Chen believes the AIDS virus can
be kept out of China because of the ban on foreign blood imports, and any foreigner who wants to stay in
China for a year or more must prove to be HIV-negative. He did acknowledge that illegal importing of
blood and the lack of disposable syringes, and Chinese women having illegal sex with foreigners could spread
the disease in China. Chen urged moral and sex education for young people, the establishment of a reporting
system to track AIDS, and better sampling of blood serum (HIV tests) should be implemented to help keep the
AIDS rate at a minimum.
––"AIDS can be Checked
in China - Experts," Xinhua, 22 July 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic
Universe, 4 May 1987, http://www.lexisnexis.com.
10 August 1987
The Beijing Review reported that AIDS is
unlikely to occur because "homosexuality and casual sex are illegal and contrary to Chinese morality."
According to China's Health Minister Chen Minzhang, about 7,000 people have been tested for AIDS in China.
These are relatives and people who came in contact with China's four confirmed HIV cases, four hemophiliacs
from Zhejiang. Also reported was that seven Chinese traditional medicine specialists will study
HIV/AIDS at Harvard University.
––"AIDS Unlikely
to Spread In China Magazine Says," Toronto Star, 10 August 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 10 August 1987,
http://www.lexisnexis.com.
30 August 1987
The Chinese government has pledged to work with the
international community and the World Health Organization to fight against AIDS. Vice-Minster He Jiesheng of
Public Health stated, "AIDS challenges all countries, and its prevention and treatment is a task for all
governments." He said the government will soon publish its AIDS prevention plans and regulations. These will
include: the medical inspection of those entering China from abroad, "medical" supervision of those at the
high-risk of contracting AIDS, and the establishment of AIDS laboratories in coastal cities.
––"China to Participate in Global Fight Against AIDS,"
Xinhua, 30 August 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 30 August 1987,
http://www.lexisnexis.com.
27 September 1987
Although China has implemented measures to
control the spread of HIV/AIDS in China, medical experts said it is necessary for China to "strengthen
popular education about AIDS, seriously carry out prevention measures and establish a system for checking
the spread of AIDS," reported the Beijing Review. The article said to date China has adopted several
regulations and measures to fight AIDS:
- publicize knowledge about AIDS, including methods of
transmission and symptoms;
- forbid any AIDS carrier from entering China;
- require all foreigners who plan to stay in China to prove by
medical exam they are HIV-negative;
- ban the import of blood or blood products, and second-hand
clothing;
- forbid sexual contact with foreigners;
- require all medical departments to dispose of any medical
equipment and medical devices used on foreign patients.
Chinese medical experts believe the spread of AIDS will be limited in
China because homosexuality, promiscuity, and drug abuse are illegal and not tolerated in Chinese society.
––"China Makes Efforts to Prevent AIDS," Xinhua, 27
September 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 27 September
1987, http://www.lexisnexis.com.
29 September 1987
Ministry of Health (MOH) officials announced
they plan to enforce Article 30 of the Regulations on Public Order to prevent the spread of AIDS in China.
Article 30 states, "Prostitution, whoring following an introduction, abetting prostitution, and whoring are
strictly forbidden and offenders face a maximum 15 days detention, a warning, re-education and a maximum
fine of 5,000 yuan (1,350 USD)."
––Jane
McCartney, "Chinese Authorities Ban Sex with Foreigners to Stop AIDS," United Press International, 29
September 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 29 September
1987, http://www.lexisnexis.com.
28 October 1987
The mayors of Chongqing, Guangzhou, Wuhan and
Shenyang have declared their cities AIDS free. To date China has recorded six HIV cases: an Argentine
tourist, a Chinese man who contracted HIV while living in the West and four hemophiliacs from Zhejiang
province, of which one has died.
––"Four major
Chinese Cities say They are AIDS Free," Kyodo News Service (Tokyo), 28 October 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 October 1987,
http://www.lexisnexis.com.
9 December 1987
The Canadian Embassy reported that a Canadian
woman who died from AIDS may have been infected from a acupuncture treatment she received about 20 months
before. According to the Health and Welfare Canada, she did not belong to any high risk group. To date,
China as reported three AIDS-related deaths: Argentine tourist, Chinese man infected while living in the
Untied States, and a 13-year-old hemophiliac. According to Chinese health officials there have been no cases
of AIDS being transmitted in China. Chinese officials dismiss the report as "medically unsound."
––"Embassy Says Canadian Died From AIDS after Acupuncture
Treatment," Associated Press, 9 December 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 9 December 1987,
http://www.lexisnexis.com;
"Doctor Refutes Report of Acupuncture-Transmitted AIDS," Xinhua, 10 December 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic
Universe, 10 December 1987, http://www.lexisnexis.com.
22 December 1987
Since 1985, Qi Xiaoqiu, a senior official in the Department of Epidemic
Prevention under the Ministry of Public Health states that since 1985 there have been 11 reported cases of
HIV/AIDS in China, of which three have died. All but four of the 11 cases involved foreigners.
––Edward A. Gargan, "China Taking Stringent Steps
to Prevent the Entry of AIDS," New York Times, 22 December 1987, p. A1; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 22 December 1987,
http://www.lexisnexis.com.
1988
14 January 1988
While announcing the release of "Several Regulations on the Detection
and Control of AIDS," He Jiesheng, Vice-Minister of Health, remarked that following the Opening Up Policy
and expanding contacts with foreigners, China is open to the possibility of an AIDS epidemic. China began
testing for HIV in 1984, and to date only three HIV/AIDS cases have been discovered in China, two were
tourists and one was an overseas Chinese. In testing foreigners who planned to live in China for over a
year, seven were found to have HIV/AIDS and were sent home. In testing of imported blood products, four
Chinese nationals were found to be HIV-positive. The "Several Regulations on the Detection and Control of
AIDS" is China's first national set of regulations on the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. "It defines in
detail those to be tested; implementation plans for AIDS detection, control and prevention; and how to
report on AIDS epidemic and its control," Xinhua reported. The new regulations state:
- All people entering China must fill out a health
questionnaire;
- People intending to live one year or more must provide an
approved AIDS test;
- Chinese nationals who have lived abroad for more than one
year must be tested upon return to China; and
- No one is permitted to import blood, blood products,
organisms and animals possibly contaminated with the AIDS virus.
He Jiesheng, Vice Minister of China’s Health Ministry said, “These
regulations are China’s first designed to prevent an AIDS epidemic.”
––"Prevention of AIDS is Important Because of Open Policy," Xinhua, 14
January 1988; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 20 January 1988, http://www.lexisnexis.com;
––“China Issues Regulations on AIDS,”
Xinhua, 14 January 1988; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 January 1988,
http://www.lexisnexis.com.
22 January 1988
Zeng
Yi, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medical Sciences said that the three AIDS cases
found in China were either foreigners or returning overseas Chinese. “Investigations have shown that China
has no sources for the dread disease Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.”
––"Scientist Says China has No AIDS 'Sources,'" Xinhua, 22 January 1988; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe,
22 January 1988, http://www.lexisnexis.com.
28 January 1988
Zeng Yi, Deputy Director of the Chinese
Academy of Preventive Medicine reported that all blood products manufactured by the Changchun Institute of
Biological Products in Jilin province were free from the AIDS virus. The tests examined 51 batches of
albumin, 63 batches of immune globulin, 40 batches of hepatitis B vaccine and two batches of factor VII
vaccine. Furthermore, 3,700 potential blood donors in Changchun were also shown to be free from the AIDS
virus.
––"Changchun's Blood Products Free from
AIDS Virus," Xinhua, 28 January 1988; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 January 1988,
http://www.lexisnexis.com.
29 January 1988
Zeng
Yi, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medical Sciences called for the suppression of
prostitution and introducing regular blood testing to protect China from the AIDS epidemic. Zeng said
AIDS entered China through two channels: one channel was through contaminated bloods products, and the
second is through casual sex with the increasing numbers of foreigners entering China. Since China has
banned imported blood products, the "most likely way of contracting the acquired immune deficiency syndrome
is through casual behavior, according to Zeng Yi," reported Xinhua. The high cost associated with
wide-spread blood testing has been dramatically reduced when China produced its own HIV antigen used
in testing for HIV exposure. China has also set up a nationwide network to supervise the spread of the
disease, and to establish contacts with HIV/AIDS experts in France, Germany, Japan and the United States.
––“China Steps Up Anti-AIDS Measures," Xinhua, 29
January 1988; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 29 January 1988,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 2 March 1988
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced it will cooperate with the
Chinese government in the areas AIDS education and prevention. These will include the following areas:
Cooperation in testing
epidemic diseases; Evaluating Chinese
Traditional medicine for AIDS treatment; Educating lab and healthcare
workers; Providing awareness for the
Chinese people; Instituting a plan to provide
for the high quality of AIDS testing in China;
and
Inviting foreign AIDS experts
to exchange knowledge about AIDS.
Dr. J. Mann, WHO’s Chairman on AIDS programs
stated, “up to now we have not seen AIDS spread in China, so it is not too late for China to prevent it.”
––“WHO and China Join Hands in Fight against AIDS,” Xinhua, 2 March
1988; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 March 1988, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 5 March 1988
Zeng Yi, chief of the only Chinese AIDS research program stated, “It’s a
foreign threat. The only way for AIDS to come into China is from foreigners.”
––David R. Schweisbeg, “China and AIDS: China begins to grapple with AIDS,” United Press International, 5
March 1988; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 March 1988, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 15 March 1988
Couples in Shanghai will need
to pass physical exams to receive a marriage license from the local government. Sources say the exam will
include an HIV/AIDS test, as well as for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
––"Shanghai to require Marriage-Minded to Pass Physical Exams," Ashai
News Service (Japan), 15 March 1988; in
Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 15 March 1988, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 28 May 1988
China has established the first non-governmental AIDS foundation to “raise
funds for research and prevention.” The AIDS Research Foundation of China (ARFC) will be directed by Chen
Chunming, President of the Chinese Academy of Preventative Medicine. Only three confirmed AIDS related
deaths have been reported in China: an Argentine tourist, a Chinese man who spent time in the United States,
and a 13 year-old hemophiliac boy who was “infected by a blood product imported from the United States.” The
ARFC will be based in Beijing and will also hold academic meetings, train medical technicians and promote
exchanges of information with researchers from around the world. A branch office will also be set up in Hong
Kong to coordinate overseas relations and fund-raising activities.
––“China Established
AIDS Foundation,” Associated Press, 28 May 1988; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 May 1988,
http://www.lexisnexis.com; "AIDS
Research Foundation Set up in China," Xinhua, 28 May 1988; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 May
1988, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 31 May
1988
China has established the National Center for the
Prevention and Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, with a total
of 16 surveillance stations set up around China under its control, reported China Daily. Also,
China has established HIV/AIDS surveillance stations in eight major Chinese cities. To date 26,000 HIV tests
have been carried out since 1984.
––"China Acts
Up to Crackdown on Sexually Transmitted Diseases," Xinhua, 31 May 1988; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 31 May 1988,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 31 March 1988
US drug
manufacturer G.D. Searle & Company signed an agreement with the State Pharmaceutical Administration of China
to promote US drug sales in China. "This is a good beginning between the United States and China,"
said Liu Yonggang, a Vice-President of the Chinese Administration. Under the agreement Searle will
have the right to "exclusively any products that result from research and development," reported the
Associated Press (AP). Dr. Shen Jiaxing, Deputy Director of the Chinese Pharmaceutical Agency said
although AIDS was not specifically mentioned in the agreement, it might be an area of collaboration.
"We have not had a chance to talk that out, but it's possible our approaches could be synergistic," Shen
added.
––David Briscoe, "US Company Signs Drug
Pact with China," Associated Press, 31 March 1988; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 31 March 1988,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 24 August 1988
Zeng Yi
Vice-President of the China Institute of Preventive Medicine said to date no AIDS sufferers has been found
in China. Out of 30,000 blood samples tested, only 14 cases were positive. Of these samples, 10 were
from foreigners, and four were from Chinese hemophiliacs who received tainted blood products from
overseas.
––"AIDS Prevention," Zhongguo Xinwen
She (Beijing), 24 August 1988; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 7
September 1988, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 25 November 1988
Shanghai health officials
reported that a foreigner was found to be carrying the AIDS virus. He was tested as part of a program to
test all foreigners who plan to live in China for a year, returned Chinese from abroad, and Chinese patients
who might have used imported blood products.
––"Shanghai Finds Foreign AIDS Virus Carrier," Xinhua, 25 November 1988; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 25 November 1988,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 28 November 1988
Chinese health officials acknowledged that seven Chinese citizens are infected with the AIDS virus and 14
foreigners also were carrying the virus. These results where given after health authorities tested 67,200
people for HIV/AIDS. Ye Guanyun, a venereal disease expert at the Ministry of Public Health (MOH) reported
that venereal disease cases are increasing at an annual rate of 300 percent, specifically in the coastal
cities.
––"China Acknowledges 21 Cases of AIDS,"
United Press International, 28 November 1988; in Lexis-Nexis
Academic Universe, 28 November 1988, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 1 December
1988
During an event marking the first World AIDS Day, Zeng Yi, Deputy Director of the AIDS
Prevention Department of the Ministry of Public Health (MOH) reports there have only been seven recorded
cases of Chinese citizens being infected with HIV/AIDS. However, since 1985, three foreign AIDS sufferers
and 11 foreign HIV carriers have been found in China. Health News reported the most threatening
channels for AIDS to enter China are from prostitution and promiscuous sex with foreigners.
Guangming Daily said, "AIDS can be controlled and even stamped out if we insist on monogamy and put an
end to extra-marital sexual behavior."
––"China
Playing its Part in World Anti-AIDS Battle," Xinhua, 1 December 1988; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 December 1988,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 6 December 1988
An AIDS monitoring center
has been set up in Wuhan, Hubei province and has begun testing throughout the province. Last October, Wuhan
discovered its first HIV/AIDS case, a foreign student.
––"AIDS Monitoring Network Set Up in Hubei Province," Xinhua, 6 December
1988; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 December 1988,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 27
December 1988
Members of the National People's Congress (NPC) called for an early enactment of
China's draft law on prevention of infectious diseases. According to the law, infectious diseases are placed
into three categories calling for varying degrees of restrictions. Diseases such as the plague and cholera
are listed in the first category and are the most restrictive. HIV/AIDS is placed in the second group along
with hepatitis and syphillis. This decision was based on the fact that "no full-fledged AIDS cases have been
discovered among Chinese mainlanders and that AIDS is not easily transmitted and spreads relatively slowly,"
said health Minister Chen Minzhang. NPC member Yang Lieyu suggested that more emphasis should be
placed on health education in preventing AIDS.
––"Stricter Monitoring of AIDS Urged," Xinhua, 27 December 1988;
in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 27 December 1988, http://www.lexisnexis.com.
1989
22 February 1989
Sun Xinhua of the Ministry of Public Health
(MOH) announced a new law that authorizes health officials to test any Chinese citizen deemed at risk of
contracting HIV/AIDS. MOH officials have already begun testing Chinese citizens in Beijing, Shanghai,
Canton and other major cities whose job brings them in close contact with foreigners. Sun said that under
the new law, "if local authorities want someone tested, he must be tested. He has no right to refuse."
He added, "If any Chinese is found to be an AIDS sufferer, he will be quarantined and will not be allowed to
continue working or going to school." To date China has emphasized creating barriers to the AIDS
virus, rather than testing its own people. The new law also covers 34 other infectious diseases
including the plague and cholera.
––Kathy
Wilhem, "Law Gives China Broad AIDS-Testing Authority," Associated Press, 22 February 1989; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 22 February 1989,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 25 February 1989
Cao Qing, head of
China's AIDS Prevention team announced that China will soon set up an AIDS Research Center which will study
the use of traditional Chinese Medicine in the treatment of AIDS. Official statistics show only 22
people have been found to have the AIDS virus, of which only four were Chinese nationals and one has died.
––"China to Establish 'Traditional Medicine'
AIDS Research Center," Xinhua, 25 February 1989; in Lexis-Nexis
Academic Universe, 25 February 1989, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 31 March 1989
China's first films dealing with AIDS have been playing to full houses in Shenyang city. Many
schools, factories and government offices have rented the movies to show to their students and employees.
The two films, one a popular science film named "AIDS," has been advertised under the Chinese characters for
"Super Caner." The other a feature film named the "AIDS Patients," has been advertised as "Pornographic
Pestilence." The feature film shows the destinies of three young Chinese AIDS victims after they have
sexual relations with a foreign teacher.
––"'Controversial' AIDS Film Fills Cinemas," Xinhua, 31 March 1989; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 31
March 1989, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 10
April 1989
Dai Zhicheng, an official from the Ministry of Health (MOH) reported the number of
sexually transmitted diseases has risen to 140,000 cases over the last nine years, and 56,090 in 1988 alone.
To date there have only been 22 HIV cases reported in China.
––"Incidence of Infectious Diseases Down in China,' Xinhua, 10 April
1989; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 10 April 1989,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 26 April 1989
The Guangzhou based Nanfang Daily
reported that a blood product made in Spain tested positive for the AIDS virus. The r-globulin, labeled as
gamma biomar was originally purchased in Macau, and brought into China. Chinese health
officials are asking anyone who might have taken this product to be tested for HIV/AIDS as soon as possible.
––"Product Test Reveals AIDS," Xinhua, 26 April
1989; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 26 April 1989, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 5 August 1989
While addressing a national
seminar on AIDS Policy held in Beijing, Minister of Health Chen Minzhang reported China has 25 cases of HIV
infections, three of which have developed AIDS. However, the total number of sexually transmitted disease
(STDs) cases reached 160,000.
––"China
Emphasizes Prevention and Monitoring of AIDS," Xinhua, 5 August 1989; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 August 1989,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 1 November 1989
China has identified its first confirmed indigenous HIV case. Cao Qing,
Vice Director of the Department of Epidemic Prevention in the public Health Ministry said the man, a former
shop assistant in Beijing, “was detained for committing homosexual acts, a crime in China.” China has said
that none of the 25 confirmed HIV cases originated on the mainland. To date, one Chinese citizen has died
from HIV/AIDS, which he received while he was in the United States. Four Chinese died of AIDS in Hangzhou.
These were related to “transfusions with imported blood.”
––“China Discovers First AIDS Virus Carrier,” Associated Press, 1 November 1989; in
Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 November 1989, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 28 November 1989
While
attending an international conference on "The Spread of the AIDS Virus from Mother to Baby," Chinese Health
Minister Chen Minzhang said the prevention of AIDS should focus on increasing education and awareness.
Referring to AIDS in China, Chen believes the threat of AIDS is greater in large urban areas where there is
an increase of prostitution, venereal diseases and drug problems.
––“Chinese Health
Minister on AIDS Prevention," Xinhua, 28 November 1989; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 November 1989,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 1 December 1989
During a symposium on AIDS
prevention, Chinese health experts called on the central government to "widen supervision and set up
consulting centers; to use disposable hypodermic syringes; and to publicly disseminate information on AIDS,"
reported Xinhua. Ministry of Health (MOH) officials reported that China has a total of 32 HIV/AIDS cases, of
which six were Chinese. Among the Chinese, four had been infected through tainted blood products, one from
engaging in homosexual activities and one who has recently returned from Africa. Chinese officials
also note that the number of sexually transmitted diseases has risen 105.16 percent in the first of half of
this year compared to the same period last year. There have been a total of 204,077 STD cases in China since
the early 1980s, of which 134,691 were male and 69,386 were female. So far, 140,000 people in China have
been tested for HIV/AIDS.
––“Public Warned to be on Guard Against AIDS," Xinhua, 1
December 1989; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 December 1989, http://www.lexisnexis.com; "VD
Cases Multiply in China," Xinhua, 2 December 1989; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 December 1989,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 1990
3 January 1990
Chinese
officials have reported that they will increase their surveillance of China's high-risk groups, including
drug addicts, reported Heath News. Over the past few years, Chinese health authorities have monitored
over 148,000 people, including Chinese who have returned from abroad, venereal disease patients, blood
donors, foreigners, homosexuals, prostitutes and their clients.
––"Risk Groups to be Eyes
for AIDS," Xinhua, 3 January 1990; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 3 January 1990,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 7
February 1990
The Ministry of Public Health (MOH) reported that by the end of 1989, the number of
HIV cases in China has risen to 194, of which three foreigners had developed AIDS. Minister of Public
Health Dai Zhicheng said of those infected, 153 were from mainland China and 41 were foreigners. The sharp
increase is due to HIV testing among drug users in Yunnan province. These tests revealed 146 cases of
HIV infection in Yunnan. This is the first time China has traced HIV/AIDS cases among drug users in
remote areas. HIV/AIDS has now been reported in 10 provinces and regions. "The situation shows that AIDS has
not only arrived in China, but is also spreading fast," said Dai.
––"China Reports 194
Infected by AIDS Virus," Xinhua, 7 February 1990; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 7 February 1990,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 10 February 1990
Speaking at a round-table on AIDS prevention, Zhen Xiwen, Vice-President
of the Chinese Academy of Preventative Medical Science said an AIDS epidemic falls into three stages: 1) the
infection of the virus; 2) the spreading of the virus; and 3) the disaster caused by the disease to the
economy, culture and the society as a whole by the virus. Experts at the meeting gave several
recommendations:
Since HIV/AIDS is primarily transmitted
through blood, the central government should establish a nation-wide monitoring agency as soon as
possible, and each blood donor should be carefully examined. The central government should pass laws
and regulations on the prevention of AIDS. Since it is not possible to have all
medical facilities convert to disposable syringes, medical personnel should trained on proper
sterilization techniques. Education and awareness should be
provided to eliminate drug addiction and abnormal sex behavior, such as homosexuality.
––"Specialists Call for Control of
AIDS at Early Stage," Xinhua, 10 February 1990; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 10 February 1990,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 1 March 1990
Dai Zhicheng, Director of
Epidemic Prevention at the Ministry of Public Health announced the formation of the National AIDS Committee
(NAC). Headed by Vice-Minister of Public Health He Jiesheng, the NAC will be responsible for drafting
China's policies and plans for AIDS prevention and control and to control various activities in this effort.
China listed AIDS as one of its infectious diseases in 1986, and in 1987 it formulated its National Program
on AIDS Prevention. According to health officials, 50 HIV test facilities have been set up throughout China,
and two confirmatory test labs have been established in Beijing and China. Together, this forms China's
national AIDS monitoring and reporting network.
Chinese health officials and the World Health Organization (WHO) have
drafted China's first National Plan to Prevent and Control AIDS over the next three years. The medium and
long term objectives and strategies include "professional training and surveillance on and research
into the disease. Efforts will be made to five priorities to prevention of AIDS transmission through
sex, blood and prenatal care, as well as to increase surveillance of high-risk groups and promote education
and awareness."
––"China Sets Up National AIDS Committee," Xinhua, 1 March 1990;
in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 March 1990,
http://www.lexisnexis.com;
"China Drafting three-year Plan to Combat AIDS," Xinhua, 1 March 1990; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1
March 1990, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 2
March 1990
Yunnan health officials placed 146 AIDS patients in local quarantine for medical care
according to the Ministry of Health (MOH). Dai Zhicheng, Director of the Epidemic Prevention
Department for the Ministry of Health said that when 1,000 registered heroin users were tested for HIV, 146
were discovered to be HIV positive. "Dai said the discovery took China's health authorities by surprise and
created a new challenge for the country's AIDS prevention and control strategy," reported Xinhua.
––"Yunnan AIDS Carriers Quarantined," Xinhua, 2 March
1990; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2
March 1990, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 12 April 1990
A HIV/AIDS Medical facility that specializes in using traditional
Chinese medicine has been set up in Harbin, Heilongjiang. Head physician Huang Binshan and some US doctors
have claimed some success in treating 181 AIDS patients.
––"Center for AIDS Patients," Xinhua, 12 April 1990;
in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 12 April 1990,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 20 June 1990
China attended the 6th International Conference on HIV/AIDS held in San Francisco, California and hosted by
the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Several countries and organizations threatened to
boycott the conference because of the US policy of barring any person infected with HIV/AIDS to enter the
country. The United States later relented and said it would issue 10-day visas to people who wanted to enter
the Untied States for professional or scientific purposes. According to Xinhua, nearly 500 demonstrators
"many of them homosexuals, walked down San Francisco to protest the US immigration policies and what they
called 'complete lack of government response' to the epidemic." Xinhua also wrote that "nearly 90 percent of
adult US victims are male homosexuals or intravenous drug users or a combination of both."
––"International AIDS Meeting to Open in San Francisco,"
Xinhua, 20 June 1990; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 20 June 1990, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 17 July 1990
Chinese officials reported they
have discovered another 91 HIV cases along China's border with the "Golden Triangle," reported
China Daily.
He Jiesheng, Vice-Minister of Public Health said the 91 victims were infected through "communal use of
contaminated syringes for intravenous injections." To date China has 305 cases of HIV, including
Chinese nationals and foreigners.
––"Ninety-One More Drug Addicts Found Infected with AIDS," Associated Press, 17 July 1990;
in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 17 July 1990,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 18 October 1990
The Ministry of Public Health stated, “The spread of AIDS has become
relatively serious in our country.” From 1985 to the present, a total of 446 cases have been confirmed HIV
positive and five (two Chinese citizens and three from outside China) have progressed to AIDS. Of the 446
cases, 378 are Chinese citizens and 68 are from outside China. Of the 378 Chinese citizens, 368 are
from Yunnan and all are related to the sharing of needles. The Ministry of Public Health has
established three HIV/AIDS testing laboratories, thus beginning a monitoring network.
––“AIDS Problem ‘relatively serious,’” Xinhua, 18 October 2001 in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 18 October
2001, http://www.lexisnexis.com.
20 October 1990
Dr. Qi
Xiaoqiu of the Epidemic Prevention Department of the Health Ministry reported that 378 Chinese nationals
have tested positive for HIV. “All but 10 of the 378 were from the southwest Chinese province of Yunnan,
which borders the drug-producing Golden Triangle.” All of these AIDS victims “said they were drug addicts
who injected heroin.” Before last year, the only Chinese that tested positive for the AIDS virus were four
hemophiliacs infected by tainted blood products from abroad. To date four Chinese have died of AIDS.
––Charlene L. Fu, “134 New AIDS Cases Reported in China,” Associated
Press, 20 October 1990; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 20 October 1990,
http://www.lexisnexis.com.
3 November 1990
China announced the death of two Chinese men from AIDS. One of these men
was a drug addict from Yunnan, and the other was a Beijing resident who contracted HIV through sexual
intercourse while traveling abroad. Since 1985, China has confirmed that 446 people have contracted the AIDS
virus, of which 378 are Chinese. Some 368 of the Chinese carriers are from Yunnan.
––"China Announces Two Deaths," Toronto Star, 3 November 1990; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 3 November 1990,
http://www.lexisnexis.com.
8 November 1990
Some 250 Chinese and 140 US experts from
medical, legal, educational, social and religious circles attended a two-day Sino-US conference on the
management of HIV/AIDS in Beijing. During the opening speech, Chen Minzhang, Chinese Minister of Public
Health stated, "To effectively restrain the spread and finally put under control this deadly infectious
disease, we much take unified and trans-regional and transnational measures and set up a global network for
prevention and treatment." Zhu Qi, a professor at the National Health Education Institute of China presented
a paper that said the cause of the rampant AIDS threat is sexual promiscuity. "Only through healthy
lifestyle can humanity survive the AIDS epidemic," he said. Zhu pointed to homosexuality, drug addiction and
pre-marital sex as the root causes of the rapid spread of the AIDS epidemic. Professor Wang Xiaodao of
Beijing Medical University and a committee member of the Chinese Sexual Science Committee told the symposium
that "promiscuous sexual relations destroy the ecological balance in the process of human sexual activity as
well as the psychological and social balance of sexual relations will be destroyed," reported Xinhua.
Dr. Fredric Colley of the Oregon
College of Oriental Medicine reported that chronic pain was successfully relieved in some 50 AIDS patients
treated with traditional Chinese medicine. Colley said, "It is not a fact that traditional Chinese
medicine helps alleviate the pain of some AIDS patients and to improve their quality of life," reported
Xinhua. Dr Wu Pingbo of the Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine said the lives of over 3,000 AIDS
patients in Africa were "prolonged and their symptoms alleviated" according to Xinhua. "Most Western
medicines, although proved effective in treating AIDS, has side effects or is poisonous. Chinese traditional
herbs, even when they are used over a long period of time, will not lead to negative results," Wu reported.
––"Sino-American AIDS Symposium Opens in Beijing,"
Xinhua, 8 November 1990; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 8 November 1990,
http://www.lexisnexis.com;
"Traditional Chinese Medicine Effective in Alleviating AIDS Pain," Xinhua, 9 November 1990; in Lexis-Nexis
Academic Universe, 9 November 1990, http://www.lexisnexis.com;
"Healthy Behavior Key to AIDS Eradication," Xinhua, 9 November 1990; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 9
November 1990, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 9 November 1990
During a Sino-American HIV Symposium in Beijing, two Chinese academic
professionals stated that “healthy behavior” is the key to stopping the spread of AIDS. Zhu Qi, from the
National Health Education Institute “pointed out that the root cause of the swift
spread of AIDS is unhealthy life styles, such as homosexuality, drug addiction, and non-marital sexual
relations.” He stated, “Only through a healthy lifestyle can humanity survive the AIDS epidemic." Wang
Xiaodao, a professor at the Beijing Medical University and a committed member of the Chinese Sexual Science
Committee told the symposium that "promiscuous sexual relations destroy the ecological balance of normal
microbes, and pathogenic micro-organisms grow and spread, then the ecological balance in the process of
human sexual activity as well as the psychological and social balance of sexual relations will be
destroyed." He described venereal diseases and AIDS as double punishment inflicted by nature on human
society. “The Chinese
specialists agreed that establishing healthy lifestyles is the only way to control AIDS. They asserted that
it is impossible to try to control AIDS with special medicines and condoms, not only because there is little
chance of discovering a cure for aids within this century, but also because
HIV becomes part of the genes of
the affected cell as soon as it enters the body. Thus it is difficult to treat patients with anti-AIDS
drugs.”
––“Healthy Behavior Key to AIDS
Eradication,” Xinhua, 9 November 1990; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 9 November 1990,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 16
November 1990
Earlier this year, over 200,000 visitors attended an exhibition in Beijing on sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs) hosted by the Beijing Municipal Health Education Institute (BMHEI). Shan
Guangnai, Deputy Research Fellow with the sociological institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
said, "The best defense against AIDS is information. Only after people fully understand the
seriousness of the disease can they do their utmost to protect themselves and others."
––"Prevention, Still Only Cure for AIDS," Xinhua, 16
November 1990; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 November 1990,
http://www.lexisnexis.com.
29 November 1990
Xinhua has reported that two sexually transmitted cases of HIV/AIDS have been confirmed in Yunnan. “Both
cases are women and they became infected by their husbands who had been exposed to the virus by communal use
of contaminated syringes.”
––“Two HIV Cases Detected in Yunnan,” Xinhua. 29 November
1990; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 29 November 1990, http://www.lexisnexis.com.
29 November 1990
The
following interview was broadcasted on China Central Television (CCTV): A narrator started by saying
''AIDS was introduced into our country in the early 1980s. In recent years, the disease has become
widespread to a relatively serious extent, and has become a severe epidemic in certain localities.'' Then
followed an interview with the Public Health Minister Chen Minzhang. [Full
Text]
––“Health Officials on Measure to Control the Spread of AIDS,” China
Central Television, 29 November 1990; in Lexis-Nexis Academic
Universe, 29 November 1990, http://www.lexisnexis.com.
1 December 1990
To mark the third annual World AIDS Day,
health officials passed out a 90-page pamphlet entitled "AIDS." Also, some 600 grassroots doctors gathered
in Beijing to participate in China's first in-service training class concerning the prevention and treatment
of AIDS. Since 1985, 446 HIV cases have been reported, of which five have developed full-blown AIDS.
Although the incidence of HIV/AIDS is sill quite low, "the Chinese government has confronted the hovering
shadow of AIDS and along with the world health organization (WHO) has prepared a medium term program for its
control, which has been reviewed in draft form and will be finalized shortly," said Roy Morey, resident
representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in China.
––“China Commemorates World AIDS Day," Xinhua, 1 December 1990; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 December 1990,
http://www.lexisnexis.com.
1991
1 March 1991
Speaking at a national meeting on AIDS monitoring
and testing, a senior Ministry of Health (MOH) official reported in the past five years, China has tested
some 400,000 blood samples to monitor AIDS in China. As of last September China has confirmed 446 HIV
cases, of which five have developed AIDS (two were Chinese nationals). The number of HIV/AIDS cases is
distributed over 11 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. Dai Zhicheng announced that China
would step up its AIDS monitoring efforts in the special economic zones, coastal cities and tourism areas.
The coastal province of Guangdong has reported nine HIV cases of which eight were overseas visitors, and the
one Chinese case was infected with the AIDS virus during a trip overseas.
––“China Steps up AIDS Monitoring," Xinhua, 1 March 1991; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 March 1991,
http://www.lexisnexis.com.
14 March 1991
While addressing an international conference
co-sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDO) on
AIDS prevention and control, Deputy Minister of Public Health He Jiesheng said that "the prevention of
control of the AIDS epidemic have become one of the priorities in China's health sector in recent years, due
to the increased international contacts," wrote Xinhua. In her speech, she also noted that "education and
publicity and maintain strict control" were the key elements of HIV/AIDS prevention. Dai Zhicheng, Head of the Ministry of Health's (MOH)
Department of epidemic Prevention, reported that China plans to test up to three million citizens and
increase its surveillance of high-risk groups. To date, the MOH tested only 500,000 people for the
AIDS virus. "The numbers are far from enough to get a clear picture of AIDS distribution in China." He
added, "We will try to get a clearer picture in two to three years by doing a lot more testing, particularly
of high-risk groups." The three year program will cost about three million USD, of which China will provide
one million USD.
––“China Hastens AIDS
Prevention and Control," Xinhua, 14 March 1991; in Lexis-Nexis
Academic Universe, 14 March 1991, http://www.lexisnexis.com;
"China to expand Anti-AIDS Measures," United Press International, 15 March 1991; in Lexis-Nexis Academic
Universe, 15 March 1991, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 21 March 1991
The number of border quarantine stations
have increased to 151, which employ over 3,000 personnel. China's original border quarantine control system
was established in 1973. However, due to China's "opening up," the "Border Quarantine Law" was published in
1986. The National Office for Border Control was opened in 1988, and the Ministry of Health (MOH) published
details of the law in 1989. In the past few years, these stations have reported 45,000 cases of infectious
diseases, of which 128 were HIV cases and two were AIDS cases. The stations also discovered 1,208 cases of
venereal diseases, along with several cases of hepatitis, cholera, malaria, and pulmonary tuberculosis.
––“China Has Set up 151 Border Quarantine
Stations," Xinhua, 21 March 1991; in Lexis-Nexis Academic
Universe, 21 March 1991, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 21 May 1991
Yin Dakui,
Director of the Sichuan Provincial Public Health Department announced Sichuan's first registered HIV case, a
middle-aged male laborer who returned from overseas in early April.
––“First HIV-Positive Case Found in Sichuan," China Press, 12 May 1991; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 21 March 1991,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 14 June
1991
Several farmers in two of Beijing's agricultural
districts tore up and burned prints of oil paintings because they believed the pictures contained the AIDS
virus, reported Beijing Daily. After a rumor that an unnamed publishing company was spreading
AIDS, "some farmers who did not understand the true situation were scared of being infected and many tore
from wall or burned the oil paintings," the paper reported.
––"Chinese Farmers Thought AIDS Spread by Paintings," Agence France
Presse, 14 June 1991; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 June
1991, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 25 June 1991
In an article of the global impact of HIV/AIDS, the Los Angeles Times
reported that China’s HIV infection total is estimated at 20,000.
––Robert Steinbrook, “Speaking of AIDS,” Los Angeles's Times, 25 June 1991, p. 8. 22 July 1991
At a
national seminar on AIDS prevention and control in Kunming, Yunnan, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said along
with increasing international contacts and the development of tourism, China is faced with a growing threat
of AIDS. Since 1985, China has confirmed 493 HIV cases, of which five had developed AIDS. Statistics show
that blood transfusion and sexual activities are the main methods of HIV transmission, however, no case of
mother-to-infant transmission has been recorded. Since China reported its first HIV/AIDS case, it has taken
the following steps to prevent AIDS in China:
1986 - The Ministry of Public Heath
established the AIDS Prevention and Control Group. Shortly thereafter, the Group set up a
series of programs related to awareness, education and testing, as well as professional training and
development. 1989 - China passed the "Law to Prevent
and Control Infectious Diseases," which AIDS, syphilis and gonorrhea were labeled as second grade
infections. 1990 - China established the National
AIDS Prevention and Control Commission along with a expert committee to guide and supervise the
nation wide campaign against AIDS.
A official from the World Health Organization (WHO)
stated, "China has an excellent county-town-village epidemic prevention system in rural areas, and that this
factor will be of great importance in curbing the spread of the AIDS virus," reported Xinhua.
––“China Sets
Up to Fight AIDS," Xinhua, 22 July 1991; in Lexis-Nexis Academic
Universe, 22 July 1991, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 6 September 1991
The Ministry of Public
Health (MOH) reported the number of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) decreased by 30 percent during the
first half of 1991. An official from the MOH said the STD rate is now under control in China. He credits the
crackdown on prostitution for this decline. MOH statistics show that over 40 percent of prostitutes
arrested by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) carried some type of STD. During 1990, 44,117 cases of
STD were reported to the MOH. The Ministry of Health called on "public health departments across the
country to coordinate with public security departments to help prevent and treat STD," wrote Xinhua.
––“China Curbs Sexually Transmitted Diseases,"
Xinhua, 6 September 1991;
in Lexis-Nexis
Academic Universe, 6 September 1991, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 30
September 1991
Health News published an article describing the discrimination that HIV/AIDS
patients face in China. It cited a case of a man from Hebei province. When he went to a local Hebei
hospital, over half the patients moved out of the ward, and some called for his family to leave the area.
In Guangzhou, nurses refused to take blood from HIV/AIDS patients. I |
