Beijing- Earlier condoms were used as evidence by China’s public security departments to prove cases of prostitution. Following the directive from the health authorities to provide condoms in all public places, police will now look for other proof to book cases of prostitution. This move by the health authorities in China is an initiative to check the spread of AIDS/HIV.
Dr. Yin Yin Nwe, Representative of the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) for China has expressed deep concern over the inadequacy of awareness about AIDS/ HIV.According to Dr Yin, the younger lot did not possess adequate knowledge about effective protection methods against the infection and in the quality of care meted out to AIDS victims. The problem is manifold, as people are sexually active at a much younger age, she said.
There were 50,000 fresh cases of HIV in 2006. Among them, 44.7 percent were infected due to heterosexual transmission while 12.2 percent contracted the infection through homosexual transmission.
Hotels in Beijing have been instructed to provide condoms in every room by the end of 2008. National surveillance figures have reported an improvement in the use of condoms from 14.7 percent in 2001 to 41.4 percent in 2006.
The measures taken by china to support the estimated 3000 AIDS orphans is commendable. China has taken a step in the right direction by sponsoring their education and living expenses. This effort has spanned 141 countries and districts in 22 provinces. More than 805 children suffering HIV have already received medical treatments.
Calling for enhanced psychological and nutritional support for these children, Dr Yin expressed hope that with the concerted efforts of the government, the existing challenges in the area of awareness of AIDS/ HIV can well be surmounted.
Source-Medindia
SAV/M
