China: AIDS Expert Panels to Be Set Up

In cooperation with the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), China's Ministry of Public Health recently instructed health departments above the county level to set up AIDS panels to prevent and control HIV/AIDS, and to provide better AIDS-related services. Such panels should include clinical experts, TCM practitioners, health-care professionals, infectious disease and lab testing experts.

City and district health authorities should designate a hospital to provide services for critical AIDS patients, according to the instructions. Such hospitals should conduct regular patient interviews, offer prenatal counseling and services -- including counseling for pregnant women who test HIV-positive -- to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission (MTCHT).

China's AIDS prevention and control work is crucial now because the epidemic may be spreading from high-risk groups to the general population, Vice-Premier Wu Yi said at a national AIDS prevention conference being held today and Wednesday in Beijing.

Government AIDS prevention and control measures include increased AIDS program funding, free treatment for the poor, the establishment of control centers, legislation, and international cooperation. Additionally, in a 51 county-level pilot project, China is endeavoring to offer free antiretroviral drugs; reduce high-risk behavior; prevent MTCHT; provide assistance and care to AIDS patients; and offer voluntary counseling and testing.

Back to other news for April 20, 2004