Abstract

PIP: The AIDS epidemic could be devastating in a nation with a population of nearly 1.3 billion. The growing number of Chinese infected with the disease is estimated to reach one million by the year 2000. Epidemiological studies in the Yunnan Province indicate that in some areas, there is a high rate of HIV-seroprevalence among IV drug abusers. Despite the amount of available information, Chinese researchers agree that they need more detailed epidemiological studies so they can determine the number of infected individuals and the future trends of the epidemic. Researchers cite many problems, which make it difficult to handle the extent of the epidemic such as: lack of financial resources for education of local health workers dealing with AIDS patients and their symptoms; dearth of supplies and reagents; attitude towards AIDS and the need for public education; only treatments available for AIDS patients are painkillers, antidiarrheal drugs, and other symptomatic treatments. The Chinese government recognizes the importance of stopping the spread of HIV by establishing the National Center for AIDS Prevention and Control dedicated entirely to the study of HIV/AIDS in China. China is also presently cooperating with the European Union in research and is hoping to work with other foreign organizations.