City-Based HIV Strategies Introduced In China

Chengdu, China hosted a workshop on Friday to address concerns about the rising rates of infection with men who have sex with men (MSM) in the communist nation, specifically within the city.  The session included an important commitment: the commitment of Chengdu to ramping up prevention and education within that community.

The city-level community was a highlight of the workshop, but more than city officials attended the event.  Numerous health officials from China's national government attended, making some hopeful that the nation may see some relief from rising HIV infections through new, city-based strategies.

Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS director, was also present and had this to say:

"'Cities are at the heart of China’s development and progress, and must remain at the forefront of its HIV response, said Mr Sidibé. 'Through bold action to address HIV among men who have sex with men, cities can lead the way to achieving the UNAIDS vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, zero AIDS-related deaths. We hope that over the next year, many more Chinese cities will implement city-based MSM strategies,' he added."

HIV/AIDS is a dire situation in China, specifically among the MSM population.  One in three new infections is a man who has sex with men, but only 15% of HIV positive MSM are receiving treatment.  This new outreach plan will hopefully mean the government of China is taking measures to including and protecting MSM in years to come.