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China HIV/AIDS
Policy and Regulations Chronology
1985
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.
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.
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.
1987
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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. 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. 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. 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.
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.
1991
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. 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. 30 November 1991
While addressing a AIDS forum to mark World AIDS Day, Minster of Public Health Chen Minzhang reported
the number of HIV cases has risen to 615, of which eight had developed full-blown AIDS. Of the AIDS
patients, three were Chinese nationals, of which one died in 1989 and one in July of this year. (122 cases
were discovered in the first 11 months of 1991.) HIV cases have been reported in 15 Chinese provinces,
autonomous regions, and cities. Chen noted most of the new infections were contracted through needle
sharing in southwest China and Chinese who have returned from abroad in the coastal areas. Patients also
include prostitutes and venereal disease patients from the larger cities. To date no mother-to-child
transmission has been recorded.
Health experts list the areas in which China should strengthen prevention and control:
Prevent HIV/AIDS
from entering China from neighboring countries. Increase AIDS
education and awareness among labor and service personnel who travel to counties with a high rate of
HIV infections. Crack down on
illegal behavior, such as prostitution and drug abuse. Standardize medical
sterilization procedures. Closely monitor
expectant mothers to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS.
––“122 More AIDS Cases
reported in China," Xinhua, 30 November 1991;
in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 30 November 1991,
http://www.lexisnexis.com;
"China Highly Concerned About AIDS," Xinhua, 30 November 1991; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 30 November
1991, http://www.lexisnexis.com; Fan
You, "AIDS in China Spread Unabated," Guangming Ribao, 1 December 1991; in Lexis-Nexis Academic
Universe, 18 December 1991, http://www.lexisnexis.com 1992
9 May 1992
An editorial entitled "Drive Away
the AIDS Phantom that has Entered China - Situation of Prevention and Cure of AIDS on Chinese Mainland,"
which was published in the Guangming Ribao, warns of the potential of an increased AIDS rate in
China. The report noted that most AIDS cases in China now involve local residents rather than overseas
infections. It said that although there has been no reported case of mother-infant transmission, four-fifths
of China AIDS cases originated in Yunnan, most of which are related to needle sharing.
According to the article, the first step to be
taken should be to increase AIDS surveillance. It said 12 types of people should be closely monitored:
venereal disease patients, prostitutes, drug addicts, homosexuals, users of imported blood products,
returned seaman, Chinese who work abroad, hotel staff and tour guides, residents of border areas and home
towns of overseas Chinese, those who have close contact with AIDS patients or work in AIDS laboratories,
foreign students, and blood, tissue and organ donors.
Recent propaganda efforts during the last five years have not been
satisfactory because "even population groups with higher educational standards have limited knowledge about
AIDS," and "one can only guess what limited knowledge the relatively poorly-educated rural population may
have about AIDS," the article said.
The disadvantages China faces are China's vast potential number of AIDS patients; limited funds for AIDS
prevention, control and research; a medical system which cannot afford to quarantine a large number of
people; a large illiterate population, a wide variety of nationalities and languages, and traditional taboos
about sex.
––Zeng Liming, "Drive Away the AIDS
Phantom that has Entered China - Situation of Prevention and Cure of AIDS on Chinese Mainland," Guangming
Ribao, 9 May 1992; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 9 May
1992, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 1 December 1992
During a conference coinciding with World
AIDS Day, Chen Minzhang, Minister of Public Health, announced that out of only two million Chinese tested,
969 have confirmed cases of HIV infection, 12 of which have developed into full-blown AIDS and nine of whom
have died. Official statistics show that 74 percent of AIDS victims contracted the disease through drug
abuse/ sharing of needles, and the rest through sexual intercourse. To date China has 148,000 registered
drug users, and 360,000 people have tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Chen said
China has begun to establish a national surveillance system for AIDS control.
According to a report in the Worker's Daily, China has yet to launch a national
AIDS prevention campaign and "must adopt suitable measures including education and law enforcement to
control the spread of prostitution, casual sex, drug use and other hideous trends in society." The
Guangdong-based Yangcheng Evening News stated that the "human face of AIDS" must be addressed. It
reported about a boy who was not allowed to attend primary school because he was the son of an HIV carrier.
"After the government intervened, the school grudgingly relented but made the boy sit all alone in class,"
the paper reported. Bernard Kern, Beijing representative of
the United Nations (UN), stated, "For the last three years, WHO has urged that there is still time to act.
That time is rapidly running out." He continued, "There is a rapidly expanding portion of the population
that is mobile and affluent. Among this sector is a growing number of people who patronize prostitutes or
use drugs. Unfortunately, the very people who are personally benefiting from economic progress may include
those most at risk for HIV transmission." Arthur Holcombe, of the United Nations Development Program
(UNDP) said, "Public policy should be based on realities, not ideals...and concentrate on making drug using
and sexual behaviors safe." He urged the use of condoms by prostitutes and clean needles by drug users, but
admitted that there is little chance that the present Chinese system will stop criminalizing homosexuals,
prostitutes, and drug users.
––"China has 969
Reported Cases of AIDS Infection," Xinhua, 1 December 1992; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1
December 1992, http://www.lexisnexis.com;
"China Marks World AIDS Day with Warning," Kyodo News Service (Tokyo), 1 December 1992; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 December 1992,
http://www.lexisnexis.com; "Time
is Running Out for China to Fight AIDS," Agence France Presse, 1 December 1992;
in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 December 1992,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 1993
10
February 1993
The China National Health Education
Institute, under the Ministry of Public Health, “has mapped out a national plan to motivate gay men to play
an active role in the prevention of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS),” reports the English
language China Daily. AIDS coordinator Wan Yanhai said “homosexuals’ role in spreading the disease
should not be underestimated, although the main vector in China was drug addicts sharing contaminated
needles.” The two year plan will begin in Beijing (north), Shanghai (east), and Guangdong (south), and will
create counseling centers, special telephone hotlines, research on gays in Chinese society, and provide
10,000 free packets of condoms a year in the three cities. Government statistics show some 1,000 people in
China carry the AIDS virus. A recent health institute survey in Shanghai, China's most populated city,
showed that of 96 homosexuals tested, 24 have a form of venereal disease (VD).
––“China’s
Homosexuals Urged to Come out of Closet, Help with AIDS Education,” Agence France Presse, 10 February 1993;
in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 10 February 1993, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 19 February 1993
An epidemiologist at the Guangdong sanitation authorities, warned China has
not yet established a nation-wide system for testing blood donors for the AIDS virus, thus creating a high
risk of spreading AIDS through China’s blood supply. “Moreover, disposable syringes are not yet in common
use in urban China and traditional reusable syringes are still used in rural areas most of the time.” China
has discovered about 1,000 HIV carriers to date.
––“’Expert’ Says ‘High Risk’ of Contracting AIDS in China,” Zhongguo
Tongxun She (Hong Kong), 19 February 1993; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 March 1993,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 15 August 1993
The Director of the National Health Education Institute, Chen Bingzhong,
is fired because of "allegedly using the AIDS issue to promote gay rights." Chin and Wan Yanhai established
Beijing's first AIDS hotline and established a gay men support group called Men's World Club. According to
Chin and Wan, "the most effective way to combat AIDS is by changing people's behavior and encouraging safer
sex," partially among China's high risk groups. However, both groups were seen by their colleagues and
Beijing's gay community as "unnecessarily confrontational and combative." The Chinese government believes
the majority of Chinese infected with the AIDS virus are social deviants, therefore, "the threat of the
disease being sexually transmitted is much reduced." Beijing views AIDS as a medical issue and not a
political or civil rights issue as it has become in the West. In China's view, "making AIDS a political and
civil rights issue, as gay rights groups have done in the West, has prevented the authorities from taking
effective action to curb the epidemic." Official statistics show that only two of China's confirmed HIV
cases are homosexuals.
––Geoffrey Crothall,
"Health Official's Sacking Signals Beijing's Attitude to Homosexual Rights," South China Morning Post,
p. 8; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 15 August 1993,
http://www.lexisnexis.com; Rajiv
Chandra, "China: No Sex Please, We're Chinese," Inter Press Service (New Delhi), 17 September 1993; in
Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 17 September 1993, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 9 September 1993
In a report
released by the United National Development Program (UNDP) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), drug abuse,
prostitution, internal migration and ignorance are seen as the major factors in the spread of HIV/AIDS in
China. Yuan Jianhua of the Beijing Institute of Information and Chen Yanlin of the Control and the Institute
of Epidemiology and Microbiology said health officials have so far tested 1,106 people for AIDS, of which
780 are drug users. The majority of cases are from Yunnan province, which borders Burma and Indochina. They
also report while the growth of HIV infection through intravenous drug use is stable, the "number infected
with HIV through sexual contacts increased...year by year." In 1991, the rate of those infected with HIV
though sexual contact was 10 percent. Last year, the infection rate rose to over 14 percent. China's
Ministry of Public Health estimated there are 5,000 people infected with the AIDS virus, but the World
Health Organization estimated the number to be as high as 15,000. In response to rising cases of AIDS
in China, the central government has banned all imported blood and blood products. Beijing estimated the
cost of treating AIDS cases between 1993 and 2000 to reach 21 million USD, while the indirect cost to the
economy could reach 300 million USD.
––"Drug
Abuse, Prostitutes, Migration Cause AIDS Peril in China," Agence France Presse, 98 September 1993; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 9 September 1993,
http://www.lexisnexis.com; Rajiv
Chandra, "China: No Sex Please, We're Chinese," Inter Press Service (New Delhi), 17 September 1993;
in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 17 September 1993, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 16 November 1993
Dai Zhicheng,
Director in Charge of Anti-Epidemic Department of the Ministry of Public Health announced the Chinese
government is allocating an additional 3.5 million yuan (603,000 USD) to expand AIDS and other sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs) surveillance across China. "The money will be used to subsidize construction of
two national AIDS control centers in Guangdong and Yunnan provinces, and to improve the National STD Control
Center, which is located at the skin diseases research institute of the Nanjing Academy of Medical Sciences
in Jiangsu province." Officially there are 1,106 confirmed cases of HIV in 19 provinces and concentrated in
major cities. Also, "more than 100,000 new STD cases have been reported annually for the past few years."
––"China to Strengthen Surveillance of AIDS,"
Xinhua, 16 November 1993; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 September 1993,
http://www.lexisnexis.com;
"China to Boost Testing for AIDS," Agence France Presse, 16 November 1993; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe,
16 November 1993, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 26 November 1993
During a recent
seminar on AIDS in Shanghai, an unnamed official from the Research Office of the State Council called for
more effort to be spent on the prevention of AIDS, reported the Shanghai-based Wen Hui Daily. The
official said that failing to pay attention to the prevention of HIV/AIDS could "result in disaster for the
Chinese nation and a threat to the current reform and opening drive." He continued, "Prevention and Control
of AIDS should always be treated as a strategic issue in China's modernization."
––"Failure to Curb AIDS can Sabotage Socialist Construction - Official,"
Xinhua, 26 November 1993, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 26
November 1993, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 30 November 1993
On the eve of World AIDS Day, Minister of Public Health, Chen
Minzhang announced the creation of the National Association of Sexually Transmitted Diseases at the Great
Hall of the People. Addressing the inaugural meeting, Chen said AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases
(STD) are still growing in China. He stated, "We lack publication and comprehensive management measures on
STDs and AIDS prevention." Administered jointly by the Ministry of Public Health and Ministry for Public
Security, the mandate of the National Association of Sexually Transmitted Diseases is to focus on health
education, information exchange and international cooperation on STD and AIDS control, and "will help the
government organize figures from various circles to take part in STD and AIDS prevention activities."
––"China has 1,159 reported Cases of AIDS
carriers," Xinhua, 30 November 1993; in Lexis-Nexis Academic
Universe, 30 November 1993, http://www.lexisnexis.com;
"China Reports 53 New HIV Carriers, Total Hits 1,159," Agence France Presse, 30 November 1993; in
Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 30 November 1993, http://www.lexisnexis.com; "When
Chang died...," South China Morning Post, 12 December 1993, pg. 8; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe,
12 December 1993, http://www.lexisnexis.com; 1 December 1993
Hao Ruifeng, an official with the Guangdong province epidemic prevention
station reported 82 people have tested positive for the AIDS virus. Among them, 79 are Guangdong residents,
aged from 21 to 61. Hao explained that the majority of HIV cases in Guangdong are related to sexual contact,
and more than 50,000 people have tested positive for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) within the last
year. To combat the AIDS epidemic, Guangdong has carried out campaigns to crack down on prostitution
and drug users, established STD prevention centers and province-wide monitoring networks, and an AIDS
hotline will soon be set up. Zhongshan Medical University and Jinan University have opened classes on sex
education and books on sex education will be published soon.
––"Guangzhou Sound Alarm," Xinhua, 1 December 1993;
in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 December 1993,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 1994
13 January 1994
In an attempt to curb the rise of HIV infections, the Chinese government
set up quarantine stations at the country’s international airports. Officials will conduct on-the-spot
blood tests to Chinese nationals who have lived outside China for more than six months. Foreigners who are
planning to reside in China are required to have an HIV test after arriving. China Daily reported
that quarantine stations detected 71 HIV carriers, and 300 people carrying sexually transmitted diseases
were also detected in 1993. A total of 60,000 people were carrying infectious diseases, including
malaria, tuberculosis and cholera.
––“China Detects 71 HIV Carriers in Tests at Arrival
Ports,” Kyodo News Service (Tokyo), 13 January 1994;
in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 January 1994, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 31 May 1994
Chen Minzhang, Minister of Public Health, announced that China has a total
of 1,361 registered HIV cases in 22 Chinese mainland provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions. Of
the 40 cases of full-blown AIDS, 22 have died. Of the total number of HIV cases, 1,106 involved mainland
residents and 255 were either foreigners or foreign citizens of Chinese origin. Official sources said “China
is set to draft medium and long-term plans on the prevention of AIDS, as well as to step up the legislation
of necessary laws so as to standardize the work and ensure the full implementation of measures designed to
curb AIDS."
––“China had Over 1,300 AIDS-virus Infection Cases” Xinhua, 31 May 1994;
in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 31 May
1994, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 4 July 1994
With assistance from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the
State Council Research Office and Ministry of Public Heath released a report that notes “the problems and
difficulties encountered in the prevention and control of AIDS in China.” For example, the report notes
difficulties, such as the transmission of AIDS from the countries which lay on China’s southern borders, and
China’s large floating population. It also “analyses AIDS/HIV infection in the country and the social and
economic implications of AIDS in China and suggests appropriate measures.” Furthermore, it acknowledges the
general public knows very little about AIDS or its prevention.
The report also calls on the Chinese government to promote AIDS awareness
among the Chinese population. “Only thus can the incidence of HIV infection in China continue to be kept at
a relatively low level, and its disturbances and challenges to the policy of openness and modernization
construction drive in the country be avoided,” the report said. The objectives of the report are to
“establish as soon as possible a prevention and control system involving the whole community by giving full
authority to all departments concerned and to form, during the 8th 5-year plan (1991-1995), a
preliminary national macroscopic control mechanism.” Such objectives will involve education, health
insurance, and an organized HIV/AIDS surveillance system. Chen Minzhang, Minister of Public Health, said
China will increase its overall AIDS Prevention and Control funding, formulate national mid-term and
long-term programs, and establish more laws and regulations regarding the control of HIV/AIDS.
––“China Makes Efforts for AIDS Prevention and Control,” Xinhua, 4 July 1988; in Lexis-Nexis Academic
Universe, 4 July 1994, http://www.lexisnexis.com. 22 July 1994
The Ministry of Public Health (MOH) reported that 1,361 AIDS cases have
been documented as of late May (1,106 involved mainland residents). The estimated number of HIV cases is
between 4,810 and 11,415. However, the MOH noted these figures are based on a test population of only three
million people. Chinese health officials are becoming more concerned because news reports have
prostitution arrests at 920,000 and nearly one million registered drug addicts between 1983 and 1993.
Furthermore, China’s growing mobile population is seen as a catalyst for the rapid spread of the HIV virus.
Health experts, such as Professor Chen Chunming of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences for Precaution,
see China as entering the stage in which the AIDS virus is beginning to spread outside the high risk groups.
“Not only high risk groups exposed to the virus but persons living a regular life are also subject to such
infection.” Furthermore, they have made an urgent appeal to establish a national “examination system
for blood banks in a bid to prevent the blood reserve from AIDS contamination.”
––“AIDS: Basic Medical Units urged to Prevent ‘Catastrophic’ Spread of
Infection,” Xinhua, 22 July 1993; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 22 July 1994,
http://www.lexisnexis.com.
1
December 1994
The Chinese Ministry of Public Health
reported that 1,453 have tested positive for HIV since the first case was detected in 1985. Currently, 22 of
China’s 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities have reported cases of HIV infection. Of all
China’s registered HIV infections 1,174 are Chinese, of which 70 percent where infected through intravenous
drug use. However, only high-risk groups are being tested, wrote Wang Youfa of China’s Xiahe Medical
College. In Beijing, eight of the 23 new HIV positive people were foreigners. The central government has
often characterized AIDS as a disease that only infects foreigners and those on the fringe of society, such
as drug users, prostitutes, and homosexuals. It is reported that 79 percent of China’s AIDS cases are
located in China’s southern Yunnan Province, which has China's most serious drug problem. It is estimated as
many as 10,000 Chinese may be infected with the AIDS virus, and 22 have died of AIDS since 1985.
––“To Raise Awareness of AIDS,” Xinhua, 1 December 1994;
in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 December 1994,
http://www.lexisnexis.com; “AIDS
Has Claimed 22 Lives; As Many as 10,000 May Be Infected,” Associated Press, 2 December 1994; in Lexis-Nexis
Academic Universe, 2 December 1994, http://www.lexisnexis.com.
1995
14 April 1995
The Guangming Daily reported China has established the National
Blood Products Management in an effort to control and prevent the spread of AIDS through contaminated blood
products. China has 1,775 confirmed cased of HIV infections, 65 have full-blown AIDS, of which 45 have
died. Health Minister Chen Minzhang confirmed "some patients were infected when they came into contact with
contaminated blood," the report stated.
––“China Sets Up Blood Testing to Battle AIDS," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 14 April 1995;
in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 April 1995,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 28 October 1995
China’s Health Ministry and State Council announced a nationwide campaign
to “spread knowledge about prevention and control of the deadly disease.” Officials report that there
are 2,248 HIV patients and 77 have advanced to AIDS.
––“China to Launch Nationwide AIDS
Prevention Campaign,” Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 28 October 1995; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 October
1998, http://www.lexsnexis.com. 30 October 1995
A
recent State Council-approved report by the Ministry of Health (MOH) entitled "AIDS - Prevention and
Control" warns the Chinese population must be educated on AIDS prevention. The report suggested the more
information people have, the less likely they are to contract HIV/AIDS. Since 1985, the AIDS virus has
spread to 22 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities under the direct control of Beijing. To date,
2,428 people have been discovered to carry HIV, of which 77 have developed full-blown AIDS. The report said,
although the actual number of AIDS cases may be low in relation to China's population, the rate of infection
is increasing every year. In 1994, 531 people were diagnosed with HIV, this was a 100 percent increase from
the previous year. During the first six months of 1995, 654 people have been found to carry the HIV virus,
12 of whom have full-blown AIDS. The number is already greater than 1994's total. China is estimated to have
50,000 to 100,000 HIV cases and the infection rate in increasing.
––"Public Health Ministry Calls for Education on AIDS Prevention and
Control," Xinhua, 30 August 1995; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 30 October 1995,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 5 November 1995
The
Ministry of Health (MOH) listed the blood-for-cash system, its own limitation in screening for HIV, and a
heavy reliance on migrant blood donors as the primary sources of a probable AIDS epidemic in China. An
official with the World Health Organization (WHO) states that offering money for blood donation naturally
attracted the groups most at risk for carrying HIV - the down-and-out, drug addicts, prostitutes, and
migrants. The State Council is currently reviewing a five year plan to fight the spread of AIDS in
China. The first priority focuses on preventing the spread of AIDS through sexual behavior. It will
achieve this aim by counseling high risk groups, such as prostitutes, drug addicts, homosexuals,
long-distance truck drivers, patients with venereal diseases and migrants, especially women. The
secondary priority is to clean up the blood supply. But according to Qi Xiaoqiu, Deputy Director of
the Health Ministry's Department of Disease Control, the Ministry of Health has requested that blood
screening be done in the big cities since 1993, "but it is expensive." Qi stated, "Local officials say
they don't have a (AIDS) problem so they don't do it. And, even if you can afford the reagents, they're hard
to find." According to Emile Fox, a WHO expert, "China is the first country to have policies and plans
in place before an epidemic."
––Charles
Hutzler, "Blood Problems, Poverty Point to AIDS Outbreak in China," Associated Press, 5 November 1995;
in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5
November 1995, http://www.lexisnexis.com.
1996
16 April 1996
China has announced the establishment of a "disease prevention belt" along Yunnan's border with
Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam. The network will be set up along six frontier ports, eights border prefectures,
and 26 border counties. The "belt" is designed to prevent HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases from
entering China. "Currently the province has registered some 2,000 HIV-positive patients, more than 70
percent of the national total," said Yang Chaobin, Vice-Director of the Provincial Health Department. Needle
sharing, sexual contact and mother-infant methods of transmission are to blame for Yunnan's high HIV
population. Yang continued, the goal of the five year program is to stop "infectious disease among
children from spreading across the borders and getting the AIDS epidemic under control." To date, this is
the first time a Chinese officials has described the China HIV epidemic in such terms. China has reported
2,428 HIV cases.
––"Health Officials Fight AIDS
Epidemic," United Press International, 16 April 1996; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 April 1996,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 16 May 1996
The World Bank and the Chinese
Ministry of (MOH) Heath have jointly launched a five year program (1996-2000) to control "non-infectious
chronic diseases" and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in China. Funded with a 10 million USD loan from the
World Bank, the program will be set-up in Yunnan province, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Chengdu, Luoyang in
Henan province, Liuzhou in Guangxi province, and Weihai in Shandong province. According to the MOH,
non-infectious diseases are increasing in China because of the aging population and changes in lifestyles.
Also, sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS, are also increasing. Experts believe increased
awareness will be the most effective to stop the increase of chronic diseases in China.
––"Project launched to Prevent HIV/AIDS Among Chinese,"
Xinhua, 16 May 1996; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 May 1996,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 4 September 1996
Dai Zhicheng, Director of
the Ministry of Health's (MOH) Disease Control Center reported that the State Council, along with
representatives from 20 departments will put together a AIDS action plan for the next five to 10 years. Dai
said the MOH plans to "upgrade laboratory testing techniques and carry out extensive publicity to increase
public awareness of the risks." Only half of China's 30 provinces and autonomous regions have the
technical capabilities to test for the AIDS virus, reported China Daily. In October a national
AIDS prevention conference will be held to increase the necessity of AIDS prevention and taking "immediate
and forceful actions." A nationwide program will be reviewed, including the duties of different social
sections and goals for AIDS control. This
year the Chinese government increased its national AIDS budget to 1.8 million USD, up from 602,000 USD last
year. China reported 3,341 HIV cases last year. Last year saw an increase of 1,567 HIV cases, compared to an
increase of only 502 cases reported in 1994. Some 117 people have developed full-blown AIDS, of which 82
have died. MOH officials estimate there are 10,000 HIV cases in China, but outside experts place the number
at 100,000 HIV cases. The number of reported venereal disease cases rose to 362,000 during 1995, a 18
percent increase. Yunnan province is reported to have 70 percent of China's HIV population.
––"China Attacks AIDS Explosion," United Press
International, 4 September 1996; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 4 September 1996,
http://www.lexisnexis.com; "More
Funds to Combat HIV/AIDS Disease," Xinhua, 4 September 1996;
in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 4 September 1996,
http://www.lexisnexis.com.
16 October 1996
Health
Minister Chen Minzhang told members attending the National Conference on AIDS Prevention and Control, that
"We have no time to waste." He said, "A general unawareness of HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, prostitution, illegal
blood supply and the drastic increase of sexually transmitted disease cases may also contribute to the
HIV/AIDS epidemic." Furthermore, he was quoted as saying that "serious HIV/AIDS epidemics in neighboring
countries," and China's own large migrant worker population has helped spread the disease.
Peng Peiyun, State Councilor said, "We should
complete mechanism of HIV/AIDS prevention and control, getting governmental departments, community
organization and the whole society involved." She said, "We should make every possible effort to curb the
HIV/AIDS epidemic." The State AIDS
Supervision Station said increases in HIV cases were reported in Beijing, Fujian, Hainan, and Xinjiang." A
station spokesman said the national information campaigns "are obviously very weak. Awareness among
high-risk groups is very low." The Ministry of Health (MOH) reports that the number of HIV cases in China is
at 4,305 cases through the month of August, including 131 cases of full-blown AIDS. Of China's 30 regions
and municipalities, 28 have reported having HIV cases. The MOH has identified there are three methods of
transmitting HIV in China: sexual contact, contact with contaminated blood, and mother-to-child
transmission.
––"China Sounds Alarm,"
United Press International, 15 October 1996; in Lexis-Nexis
Academic Universe, 15 October 1996,
http://www.lexisnexis.com;
"Experts Warn of AIDS Threat in China," Xinhua, 16 October 1996;
in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 October 1996,
http://www.lexisnexis.com;
"Officials Say China has No Time to Waste to Control AIDS," Xinhua, 16 October 1996;
in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 October 1996,
http://www.lexisnexis.com. 25 November 1996
Qi
Guoming, Vice-president of the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine announced the creation of a National
AIDS Prevention and Control Center in Beijing. The new center will conduct research on the spread of
HIV/AIDS, provide technical assistance to HIV/AIDS labs, evaluate technological applications of HIV/AIDS
diagnosis, research social behaviors, and promote publicity and education with regards to HIV/AIDS.
––"China to Set Up AIDS Study Center," Xinhua, 25 November 1996; in Lexis-Nexis Academic
Universe, 25 November 1996, http://www.lexsnexis.com. 6 December 1996
Chinese Premier Li Peng
announced that the State Council has issued new regulations on China's blood supply. Li said the new laws
would stipulate that all Chinese between the ages of 18 and 55 should donate blood, and calls for stricter
measures to protect the nation's blood supply. Li pointed to college students, soldiers and government
workers to "play a leading role in blood donations," reported Xinhua. The new law would ban paid blood
donations and punish blood dealers. The Workers Daily said some professional blood donors have been
found to carry AIDS virus in some areas since 1995. Furthermore, a Ministry of Health (MOH) survey has found
that "40 percent to 50 percent of people who move around the country selling their blood plasma were
infected with hepatitis C, and in some areas the infection rate was as high at 70 to 90 percent, the paper
said.
––"China Passes Rules Protecting Blood
Supply." Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 6 December 1996; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 December 1996, |
