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BMGF:
MAJOR COMMITMENT TO EXPAND HIV PREVENTION IN
CHINA: 02/12/2007 (MaximsNews Network)
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UNITED NATIONS - / MaximsNews Network /
- 02 December 2007 -- The
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced recently that it will commit $50
million to work in partnership with the Chinese government and non-governmental
organizations to expand HIV prevention efforts in China.
The
funding will increase access to HIV prevention programs targeting those most
vulnerable to infection, including injection drug users, sex workers, and men
who have sex with men.
"By
rapidly expanding access to effective HIV prevention, China has an opportunity
to prevent a widespread HIV/AIDS epidemic," said Dr. Tachi Yamada,
president of the Gates Foundation's Global Health Program.
"China's
leaders say they are serious about fighting AIDS, and we're pleased to partner
with them on these efforts."
Although
China's national HIV prevalence is low—less than 0.1% of the total
population—infection rates are high among key risk groups.
For
example, HIV prevalence among injection drug users exceeds 50% in some
provinces, and in the past two years there have been substantial increases in
HIV infection rates among men who have sex with men.
"To
effectively fight HIV/AIDS, we must ensure that prevention programs reach those
most likely to become infected and transmit the virus to others," said Dr.
Wu Zunyou, director of China's National Center for AIDS/STD Control and
Prevention.
"At
the same time, we must combat the terrible stigma that still surrounds the
disease in our country."
Stigma
and discrimination against people with HIV remain major problems in China.
For
example, a 2005 study by researchers in Yunnan province found that nearly a
third of doctors said they would refuse to treat an HIV-positive person.
The new
Gates Foundation funding will support both government and non-governmental
programs focused on the following:
-
Prevention
services for high-risk groups: Expanding effective HIV prevention
programs targeting high-risk groups, including injection drug users, sex
workers, and men who have sex with men
-
HIV
testing: Increasing access to HIV counseling and testing,
particularly for high-risk groups, to help ensure that people know their HIV
status
-
Prevention
and support for people living with HIV: Ensuring that HIV-positive
people receive appropriate care and support, including prevention programs
to help reduce high-risk behavior that could pass on the virus to others
-
Stigma
reduction: Reducing the stigma of AIDS by educating both the
general public and those who work with high-risk groups and people living
with HIV/AIDS
Of the
$50 million committed today, a $20 million grant will go to the Chinese Ministry
of Health. Decisions about specific programs to be supported with this grant
will be made by the Office of the State Council AIDS Working Committee.
The
remaining $30 million will be used to provide grants to local, national, and
international non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
A small
team of Gates Foundation staff in Beijing will administer the funding announced
today and provide technical advice and support to the government and NGOs.
The
foundation's China office is led by Dr. Ray Yip, who was formerly the country
director of China for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Partnership
Supports Priorities in China's AIDS Plan
The new
funding comes as China begins implementing an ambitious five-year plan to expand
HIV/AIDS efforts.
In
recent years, estimated government spending on HIV/AIDS programs has increased
substantially—from about $12.5 million in 2002 to more than $150 million in
2007.
In
addition, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria has committed
approximately $180 million to China for HIV prevention and treatment programs.
The
Chinese government has made important progress in reaching key high-risk groups
with HIV prevention services.
For
example, the government has opened some 350 methadone maintenance clinics
throughout the country.
However,
experts warn that far more remains to be done, especially to ensure that ongoing
HIV prevention programs reach all those in need with effective interventions.
"I
am very encouraged by the good progress that China is making in responding to
the AIDS epidemic," said UNAIDS Executive Director Dr. Peter Piot.
"I
am sure this valuable new commitment from the Gates Foundation, which will also
assist civil society organizations, will lead to an even stronger response to
HIV in China at all levels."
Labels: United
Nations, U.N.,
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