HIV/AIDS Deaths in China Soaring

Within the first nine months of 2008, a total of 6,897 people in China died from HIV/AIDS-related issues. The high number of deaths from the deadly virus makes it the country’s leading cause of death among infectious diseases for the first time ever, surpassing both tuberculosis and rabies. The Xinhua News Agency, citing China’s Ministry of Health, reported the information. In response, The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that this HIV/AIDS epidemic may only continue to worsen throughout Asia unless countries immediately open access to services for men who have sex with men (MSM).

The catalyst for this rapid spread of HIV is unprotected male-to-male sex. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) by killing or damaging cells of the body's immune system and progressively devastating the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers. The increase in MSM as a method of transmission has prompted the WHO's Regional Office for the Western Pacific to act quickly in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program (UNAIDS) and the Hong Kong Department of Health to quell mounting health crisis.

The organizers of the collective effort convened with Asian government HIV/AIDS specialists, regional experts and representatives of other organizations on February 18th for a three-day meeting. The focus of the conference is to determine a strategy for providing better services to the MSM population. Participating countries include Australia, Cambodia, China, Fiji, Japan, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam.

According to Dr. Massimo Ghidinelli, WHO Regional Adviser in HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections, “Studies show that at present, the proportion of HIV infections being transmitted among men who have sex with men is larger and more significant than we had originally believed.” He urged, “Action needs to be taken now if a major increase in HIV/AIDS cases is to be averted. We need to target HIV prevention strategies, together with better access to health services, for men who have sex with men.”

The WHO said that escalating the supervision and implementation of effective care for men having sex with men as well as measures for the prevention of HIV should be of the highest priority to thwart further spread of the virus. Implementation of legislation to outlaw discrimination against people with HIV and groups who are vulnerable to the virus would greatly improve the effectiveness of the response to HIV.

Because some societies deem male-to-male sex as unacceptable, access to HIV/AIDS services can be denied due to discrimination and breach of human rights that include the right to better health. In addition, members of the MSM population may choose not to disclose their sexual orientation or make use of HIV services, therefore increasing their vulnerability.

People among the MSM population belong to one of the most-at-risk groups for the contraction and spread of HIV/AIDS. A 2007 assessment involving Cambodia and Viet Nam indicated that MSM have a greater likelihood of contracting HIV than the general population. The risk of infection for MSM in China is 45 times higher than non-members of the group. At an estimated 10 million men, Asia is believed to have the world's largest population of MSM. However, in a recent UNAIDS report, it was demonstrated that prevention interventions currently reach a mere one percent of the MSM population. In addition, the report showed that national strategic plans for HIV/AIDS don’t cover interventions for MSM or transgender individuals.

Over 33 million people worldwide are living with HIV/AIDS today. Effective HIV care that includes antiretroviral drug therapies and regular access to primary health care can help people manage their HIV disease and live longer.