BEIJING, Nov. 30 -- The number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in China hadhit 497,000 by the end of Oct., with 154,000 deaths, according to latest official figures.
Highlighting an obvious increase in the number of HIV carriers and AIDS patients, WangGuoqiang, vice director of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, revealedthe figures Sunday at an HIV/AIDS awareness promotion event, ahead of World AIDS Dayon Dec. 1.
Noting an overall low pandemic situation in the country with exceptions to some regions,Wang said sexual transmission is the main infection channel while mother-to-child anddrug needle infection rates are in a lower level.
According to Wang, infections among young students, the middle aged and the elderly havebeen particularly noticeable.
A total of 3,413 anti-virus treatment institutions have been set up in 31 provincial-levelregions, and more than 9,000 voluntary HIV test stations were set up nationwide.
Also on Sunday, Premier Li Keqiang vowed more work on prevention and treatment ofAIDS, adding that China is willing to cooperate with other countries to combat HIV.
