As learned from the Information office of the State Council, AIDS has spread in China dramatically since the report of first AIDS case in 1985. In 2003, the Ministry of Public Health and related international organizations conducted a nationwide epidemiologic survey on AIDS, which shows there are 840, 000 HIV carriers and 800, 000 AIDS patients in China.

China��s investment and efforts in AIDS prevention keeps on growing in recent years. As from 2001, the central budget for AIDS prevention rises from 15 million yuan to 100 million yuan. 1.25 billion national debts, along with local investment of 1 billion yuan are used to improve infrastructures of blood stations in Central and Western China. A total of 459 blood stations are built and renovated in all. In 2003, China allocates another 270 million yuan for AIDS prevention in key areas.

To control the spread of AIDS, the Chinese government has ruthlessly cracked down on drug trafficking, prostitutions and illegal blood supply. In 2003, the government introduced Methadone Treatment for druggers in five provinces.

By People's Daily Online