World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is marked on 1 December every year, reminding us that the battle against HIV is not yet over. The HIV epidemic continues to affect millions of people globally, and in China an estimated 1.25 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2018.  HIV infection cannot be cured, however, it can be prevented, treated and managed.

The number of new HIV infections in China are expanding among young people, in particular among the key population. According to data reported by China Center for Disease Control, over 400 people per day were diagnosed as HIV-positive in 2018.

People may be unaware of their risk, and lack the knowledge of how to protect themselves and where to seek testing and treatment for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. They may experience stigma and discrimination which stops them from accessing the services they need to stay healthy and uninfected.

This year the key messages from WHO China office are for people to know their HIV infection status through testing, and to encourage prevention interventions - including the use of condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis.