29 November 2006
TAR takes measures to limit spread of AIDS/HIV
(Xinhua) Xinhua reports that the authorities in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) are taking measures to ensure that there are no more than 300 AIDS/HIV cases there by 2010, sources with the regional AIDS/HIV control have said. The measures include establishing a laboratory for final diagnosis of AIDS/HIV and other labs for preliminary sample screening in seven prefectures and cities and 22 counties. Bilingual AIDS/HIV control publicity materials in Chinese and Tibetan are being distributed to peasants and herdsmen and the use of condoms is being promoted throughout the region. "There are fewer AIDS/HIV cases here than in other regions of the country, but they are on the rise and the disease is spreading from high-risk people to the general public and from cities to rural areas", said Jiang Zugang, an official with the regional AIDS/HIV control authorities. From 1994 to 31 October 2006, 40 HIV carriers were registered in the TAR, including five who developed into AIDS and there have been two deaths. In 2005 alone, there were 18 new AIDS/HIV cases, Jiang added.