China-UNFPA HIV/AIDS Program

In early 2003 the Government of China launched the China Comprehensive AIDS RESponse (China CARES) program, which aims to explore the model of integrated HIV/AIDS response focusing on treatment and care beginning in 2003 for a term of three years, providing experience for HIV/AIDS response efforts in other areas of China. China CARES covers 127 counties, mainly providing medical treatment and life support to eligible AIDS patients and their families, improving their living conditions and quality of life, protecting lawful rights and interests, and preventing further transmission of HIV.

The UNFPA program facilitated the implementation of the expanded and comprehensive response strategies in China, prioritizing HIV/AIDS prevention. The program was designed to strengthen the awareness and knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention and control among target groups, including county-level government officials, project managers, medical workers, STD attendees, pregnant women and their spouses attending antenatal clinics/MCH centers, males/females attending family planning clinics, entertainment establishment owners, service women, mobile populations, the general public, young people, etc. in five China CARES sites (i.e. Xiangyang District, Xiangfan City of Hubei Province, Cili County of Hunan Province, Bazhou City of Hebei Province, Mudan District, Heze City of Shandong Province, and Heping District, Shenyang City of Liaoning Province); and promote condom use among service women at entertainment establishments, STD attendees and other high risk populations.
 
The China-UNFPA HIV/AIDS Program had a total budget of USD 1.1 million from October 30, 2003 to December 31, 2005. Program areas included Hebei, Liaoning, Shandong, Hubei and Hunan. Program components included public awareness raising, outreach services, condom promotion and use, multi-sectoral cooperation and strategic planning. Target populations included the public, leaders, medical staff, government officials, young people, pregnant women, CSWs and others.