China and AIDS--the time to act is now
Kaufman, J.; Jing, J.
Science 296(5577): 2339-2340
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-8075 PMID: 12089428 DOI: 10.1126/science.1074479Document Number: 240976
China needs to take immediate, organised action to prevent a catastrophic AIDS epidemic. The UN estimates that over one million people in China are infected by HIV, and the UN and Chinese government predict that the total could reach 10 million by 2010. An AIDS action program is required that involves the government mounting a multisector response that brings the methods and approaches of social science to the design and evaluation of AIDS policies and programs. Legislation is also required to protect the rights of HIV-infected persons and to establish a nationwide confidential testing and counseling program. At the same time, a national AIDS public education campaign should be directed at all Chinese citizens, incorporating forceful messages to protect HIV-infected persons against stigmatization and discrimination. It is time for the government to muster the political will and resources and direct its infrastructure and control at an epidemic with devastating potential.