Objective: To describe the characteristics and changes of HIV/AIDS epidemic in different areas and high-risk populations in Henan, China.
Methods: Serological surveys were conducted among former plasma donors (FPDs), female sex workers, drug users, sexually transmitted disease clinic attendees, men who have sex with men, and long-distance truck drivers in different areas of Henan Province. Data originated from the sentinel surveillance surveys conducted between 2004 and 2006, a special epidemiological study of HIV among FPDs in 2004 and the HIV/AIDS case-reporting system were analyzed.
Results: By December 2006, a total of 35,232 HIV cases had been reported from 159 counties in Henan. HIV prevalence among FPDs was 8.6% (range: 0.09%-13.0%). Sentinel surveillance data collected between 2004 and 2006 indicated HIV prevalence from 0% to 0.80% in female sex workers; 0% to 0.86% in drug users; 0% to 1.39% in sexually transmitted disease clinic attendeess; 0% to 1.35% in long-distance truck drivers; and 0.88% to 2.67% in men who have sex with men.
Conclusions: HIV/AIDS epidemic in Henan is primarily centered among FPDs infected before 1996. Sexual transmission of HIV is increasing among other risk groups. Condom use and HIV testing and counseling need to be promoted to stop the spread of HIV.