100% condom use program in China

Health officials in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur region plan to launch a program this year that aims to promote condom use at every entertainment venue to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS among high-risk populations, Xinhua/People's Daily reports.

The 100% Condom Use Program -- a joint effort of the Chinese Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization -- has been launched at entertainment spots in 40 counties and cities in the region, according to the Xinjiang Uygur health department.

Under the program, which was launched in Thailand in 1989 and has been adopted by other Asian countries, condom use is required at all times among commercial sex workers.

The program also requires condoms in all entertainment venues.

The health department said the counties and cities that have not started the program must make condoms available at every entertainment venue within the first six months of the year, Xinhua/People's Daily reports.

Xinjiang health authorities reported 27,209 HIV cases between 1995 and the end of September 2006, including 700 AIDS cases and 111 AIDS-related deaths.

Health authorities estimate that there are more than 60,000 HIV/AIDS cases in Xinjiang and that the region will face a serious challenge in fighting the disease.

The local government has pledged to reduce the number of HIV/AIDS cases to 120,000 by 2010 and increase by 90% the use of condoms among high-risk groups, according to Xinhua/People's Daily.

In addition to Xinjiang, the provinces of Shangdong, Gansu, Liaoning and Fujian and the Guangxi Zhuang region are implementing the program.

The program has been implemented fully in Hubei, Hunan, Yunnan and Hainan provinces (Xinhua/People's Daily, 1/3).