Health News

People living with HIV/AIDS in China continue to experience discrimination based on public misconceptions of the disease, Bernhard Schwartlander, UNAIDS China country coordinator, said on Tuesday, Xinhuanet reports. Commenting on the results of a survey about HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and behavior among the Chinese -- which indicated that misconceptions and discrimination remain high despite years of public education efforts -- Schwartlander said that many people are unwilling to live with an HIV-positive person, or have meals or work with an individual living with the virus.

Xinhuanet reports that the survey of more than 6,000 students, white- and blue-collar workers and migrant workers found that 48% still believe HIV can be transmitted through a mosquito bite. It also found that although 80% of respondents know HIV can be transmitted through injection drug use or unsafe sex, 18% thought they could contract the virus through a sneeze or cough. In addition, when asked about their attitude toward an HIV-positive family member, nearly 16% said they would no longer contact or speak to the person, although more than 50% said they would encourage the relative to seek treatment and support…