NCJ Number
139570
Journal
Criminal Justice Journal Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: (Summer 1992) Pages: 1- 9
Date Published
1992
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the extent of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection in the Peoples Republic of China and describes the government's strategy for addressing the problem, with attention to the role of law enforcement.
Abstract
China's surveillance to detect HIV infection since the first case appeared in 1985 has identified a relatively small, but steadily increasing rate of HIV infection. To date 615 cases have been discovered. Of this number, eight have developed full-blown AIDS; three are now deceased. The actual rate of infection, however, may be 10 times the known rate. Although the virus has been found among prostitutes and homosexuals, the vast majority of those infected (over 80 percent) are intravenous drug users from the border region of South China, especially Yunnan Province. Because AIDS is behaviorally based, the Chinese have chosen to attack not only the medical aspects of the disease, but also the behaviors associated with its transmission. In China as in most countries these behaviors carry potential criminal sanctions (for example, drug trafficking and possession, prostitution, sodomy, etc.). In a calculated and coordinated manner, law and law enforcement have become pivotal elements in China's battle against the disease. Following anti- prostitution efforts by police, Beijing and Canton public health officials reported a 30- percent drop in sexually transmitted diseases. More than 37,000 drug addicts have received treatment in Yunnan Province since the inception of the detoxification program. Combining these figures with a possible reduction in drug availability through law enforcement, AIDS education, and social pressure to remain drug-free, the potential effectiveness of the Chinese approach is apparent. 29 footnotes