The Ministry of Health started comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention and control trials for the MSM population within the national scope.  Nanjing, Suzhou and Yangzhou municipalities in Jiangsu Province have been confirmed as the cities for the trials.  In April, the areas on trial underwent initial background research.  About 1050 people were being surveyed and this trial will be completed by the end of 2009.

Men having sex with men (MSM) is categorised as a high risk population group. As shown in the survey, the HIV infection rate of the MSM population in the province is increasing.

Jiangsu Province’s Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) clinical department’s manager, Mr Guan Wenhui, said that this year’s number of people who came for testing within the MSM population, were higher than in previous years.  The rate for being tested for HIV was around 1% with about 10 people being diagnosed as infected.

According to sources, the MSM community can face societal pressures and compelling prejudices.  As a result, they may never disclose their identity.  As trust is an issue for many of these men, AIDS prevention and control work targeted at this population group can be difficult.  The infectious disease research studies and medical intervention targeted at this population group has been limited.  Facing these issues, society as a whole should take on a more tolerant attitude towards the MSM population to encourage awareness and self-protection.  It is reported that AIDS prevention condoms designed for the MSM population have reached the market.  The MSM condom has features such as stronger longitudinal elasticity, added thickness, no sperm collection and improvements have been made to its lubrication.

Translated by Sock Sim Koh

Edited by Natasha Holt