Relevant departments in Tianyang County have achieved considerable progress in response to HIV/AIDS by implementing Regulations on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control and the China Action Plan to Prevent and Control HIV/AIDS (2006-2010) issued by the State Council, reaching consensus on awareness of HIV/AIDS and strengthening coordination of five intervention platforms (i.e. VCT centers, Women's wellness centers, needle exchange site, MMT clinic and ART center).

According to the requirements of China Global Fund AIDS Program, two VCT centers were set up within Tianyang County CDC and Tianyang County Maternal & Child Health Hospital. The two centers conducted two training workshops, with a total number of 63 participants, contributing to effective communication among different intervention platforms and raise awareness of VCT services among different target populations. Seven DUs received only counseling while other 109 received HIV counseling and testing with results informing. 39 among them were identified as HIV positives. 467 FSWs received only counseling while other 551 received HIV counseling and testing with results informing. 3 among them were identified as HIV positive. One STD attendee received only counseling while other 136 received HIV counseling and testing and were informed of test results. No HIV positive persons were identified. Five persons from other groups received only counseling while other 1,193 persons received HIV counseling and testing and were informed of test results. 2 HIV positive persons were identified.

According to the geographical distribution of FSWs based on the baseline survey and size estimation, two women's wellness centers were set up within Tianyang County CDC and Tianyang County Red Cross. The two centers were staffed with adequate technical personnel and mainly provided STI management and referral, counseling, condom promotion and outreach IEC services, in order to increase the knowledge and skills of FSWs and other groups regarding STI/HIV/AIDS prevention and promoting safer sex. Based on the centers, two intensive training workshops were conducted, with a total number of 60 participants, contributing to self-education of FSWs, mutual communication, awareness of HIV/AIDS and participation in HIV/AIDS response. Outreach workers were organized to conduct 96 outreach activities in 139 entertainment establishments. 796 FSWs were reached by outreach services and peer education. 21,546 condoms were distributed.

The clean needle exchange site conducted one intensive training workshop for 45 DUs. The training workshop emphasized the importance of needle exchange and inspired the enthusiasm of DUs to participate in needle exchange. Five peer educators were recruited to promote the coverage of needle exchange. 631 DUs participated in needle exchange, including 56 newcomers in 2007. 77,749 clean needles were distributed and 79,456 used needles were collected, with a rate of 102.2%.

The MMT clinic conducted two training workshops in 2007, with a total number of 62 participants. The knowledge about MMT was widely disseminated among police officers, community residents, DUs and their families, contributing to the uptake of MMT. Currently, 125 DUs are receiving MMT, including 77 newcomers in 2007. On average, 58 DUs take methadone in the MMT clinic per day. All methadone clients were referred to VCT sites for HIV test.

The ART center is a key platform for the implementation of the "Four Frees and One Care" policy and the provision of free ART. The center conducted three training workshops, with a total number of 144 participants. The training workshops raised awareness of HIV/AIDS among medical staff, promoted the communication and coordination among different platforms and improved the skills of medical staff. Currently, 14 AIDS patients are receiving ART. 40 AIDS patients received OI prophylaxis and treatment, with 17 newcomers in 2007. Seven PLHA received TB treatment. 131 PLHA received follow-up services.

All the five intervention platforms in Tianyang County are functioning well and making active contribution in containing the spread of HIV.

                                                        (Wang Ying,Guangxi CDC)