[National sentinel surveillance of HIV infection in China from 1995 to 1998]

Abstract

Objective: To monitor the trend of HIV infection in China in order to provide accurate information for AIDS prevention policymakers and planners.

Methods: Since 1995, cross - sectional sentinel surveys have repeatedly been conducted in China. The target populations in these surveys were STD clinic attenders, prostitutes, drug users, long distance truck drivers, pregnant women, and blood donors.

Results: In 1995, survey results found no HIV infection among drug users in 8 sentinel surveillance sites. In 1998 however, HIV infection had been found in 17 of 19 sentinel surveillance sites. HIV infection prevalence rates among drug users in Urumqi had increased from 0% in 1995 to 28.8% in 1998 and in Guangxi and Guangdong, from 1% in 1997 to 12.8% and 10.4% respectively. The highest HIV prevalence rate was 82.2% among drug users in Yining city. The HIV prevalence rate remains low in other risk groups but has increased among prostitutes, whose rate of insistent condom use remains low, and among STD clinic attenders. Needle and syringe sharing among drug users have also increased in many sites.

Conclusion: HIV infection is spreading rapidly among drug users. There are many risks involved in the spread of HIV among prostitutes and their clients, and thus more efficient interventions are urgently needed.