China provides free AIDS treatment for children

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-30-2006 14:11

China has announced that HIV-positive Chinese children across the country will receive free treatment.

Health experts have pointed out that many infected children resort to adult drug dosages due to the scarcity of medication for children.

Last June, the Chinese Health Ministry launched pilot projects in six provinces and autonomous regions, providing children's dosage medication. About two hundred children received medication.

The ministry says it will allocate more money, train more doctors specializing in treatment for children, and enhance checkups.

Health departments will be required to mobilize all resources and provide psychological counseling and assistance to children and their families. According to reports, China has about 800 children living with HIV, most of whom were infected through mother-to-baby transmission.

And China's efforts at preventing AIDS among children is receiving praise from UNICEF.

Editor:Ji Xuewen