The extraordinary expansion of HIV programmes and funding since 2001 is beginning to bear fruit in turning the tide against the AIDS epidemic. The global number of new annual HIV infections appears to have fallen, and access to AIDS treatment in low- and middle-income countries has increased remarkably.

However, the epidemic continues to outpace response efforts, with 2.5 million people newly infected with HIV in 2007, and more than 2 million dying of AIDS-related illnesses. And while several countries have made progress in slowing the epidemic, a number of countries are seeing an expansion of HIV or resurgence in the epidemic.

Responses to AIDS must be based on the principle of ‘knowing your epidemic’. UNDP recognizes that addressing HIV is integral to achieving the MDGs, and particularly targets relating to reducing poverty, achieving universal primary education, promoting gender equality, reducing child mortality, improving maternal health and combating tuberculosis.

In China, there is a relatively low overall incidence of HIV and AIDS, although pockets of high prevalence do exist within specific geographies and social groups. Infection rates are high in areas affected by unsanitary blood and blood plasma collection activities in the mid-90s and within vulnerable groups such as intravenous drug users, sex workers, and mostly recently with men who have sex with men. Over the past several years, the Chinese government at the highest levels has reiterated its strong commitment to effectively respond to AIDS, identifying prevention and control as a priority in the 11th National Five-Year Development Plan (2006-2010) and reinforcing the importance of having an HIV and AIDS strategy to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

China’s policy moves come during a critical juncture. Recent statistics show that sexual transmission is now the major mode of transmission and is growing disproportionately faster and that affected populations are becoming more general. A number of embedded national characteristics, efforts to align national policy and local implementation, high levels of stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV, low awareness of transmission methods and acceptance of risk, and limited involvement of most at rights populations are propelling this disturbing trend. As one of the lead agencies in the joint UN response, UNDP supports China’s mulitsectoral AIDS response through implementation of the following large scale programmes: