According to expert estimates, Guangdong now has more than 30,000 people infected with HIV. This journalist understands from the remarks made by delegate Deng Xiaoqiang to the second meeting of the Guangzhou people’s congress, that given that the rate of infection is rising rapidly and that 118 counties (and cities) in the province have discovered HIV infections, Deng Xiaoqiang suggested that Guangzhou creates an AIDS prevention and control network to strengthen AIDS control work and the medical system. Hotels, bars, and entertainment venues should distribute free condoms.

According to Deng Xiaoqiang, at present AIDS cases are increasing rapidly in Guangdong. There are already 118 counties and cities in Guangdong reporting cases of HIV infection, and the cumulative number of reported cases up until 2002 was 3,783. In the period Jan-Oct last year, there were 749 new cases reported. According to expert estimates, there are already more than 30,000 people infected with HIV in Guangdong, and the epidemic has emerged in 21 cities, particularly in the Pearl River Delta.

According to Deng Xiaoqiang, at present the majority of HIV-infections are among drug users, with sexual transmission, and especially sexual transmission among women, up markedly. There have also been cases of mother-to-child transmission. It is recommended that Guangzhou set up an AIDS control network, and especially that it strengthens community AIDS control and the medical system. Hotels and entertainment venues should distribute free condoms. At the same time government investment should be increased, people with AIDS should receive free medicine for treatment, and people with AIDS in financial difficulties should receive economic assistance.