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December 1, 2014

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Education vital to slowing increase in new HIV cases

THE HIV virus has been detected in 1,782 people in Shanghai this year to November 20, 635 of whom have developed AIDS, the city’s Health and Family Planning Commission said ahead of World AIDS Day today.

The rise in new cases is slowing — 8.9 percent more this year compared to the previous year’s 10.7 percent rise — and AIDS patient numbers are down, with 4.9 percent fewer than in the same period of last year. There were also fewer deaths — 144 so far this year, an 8.3 percent reduction.

The commission said the reduction was due to education and stricter prevention and control measures.

Since detecting the first HIV carrier in 1987, the city has reported 12,950 cases, 4,029 of whom developed AIDS, and 895 deaths.

More than half of this year’s cases are people aged 34 or younger while almost a fifth of the total are 24 or younger.

The ratio between male and female carriers continues to widen. It was 8.2 men to one woman in 2011 and 11 to one this year.

Sexual transmission covers 94.7 percent of this year’s cases, about the same as last year. Men having unprotected sex with other men account for almost two thirds of those infected.

Since 2008, there have been no cases of newborn babies being infected through mother to infant infection thanks to checks during pregnancy and timely intervention.

“The young and people indulging in high risk behavior, such as male homosexuals, and people serving in entertainment venues, are the major targets for HIV prevention and control,” said Shen Xiaochu, the commission’s director. “A proper attitude toward  people with HIV/AIDS and zero prejudice to these people are also crucial for disease prevention and control.”

There are 18 district disease control and prevention centers in the city, each with its own HIV/AIDS laboratory, and 148 screening labs in major hospitals. Shanghai is also promoting instant testing and consultation at neighborhood health centers.

Last year, the city carried out 2.875 million screenings.

Health officials also visited entertainment venues in the city to distribute condoms.




 

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