key: cord-0005606-219mtyxp
authors: ZHAO, Richard Y
title: An editorial overview: HIV/AIDS in China
date: 2005-11-03
journal: Cell Res
DOI: 10.1038/sj.cr.7290351
sha: de7862dd75af98cc1813cb883e4bf3e8b02a353a
doc_id: 5606
cord_uid: 219mtyxp

nan

government-led national campaign to publicize condom use for HIV infection control could potentially achieve costeffective yet rewarding outcome in minimizing this deadly disease in this country. Third, intervention of risky behaviors or treatment of already infected patients through active participation of medical professionals is equally important in minimizing the impact of the existing prevalence of this disease. Improved knowledge of diagnosis, treatment and patient care among point-of-care medical professionals could play a very important role in limiting the spread of this disease. Fourth, adaptations of successful strategies and avoiding the mistakes made by other countries through international collaborations have to be an integral part of this battle against the HIV/AIDS epidemic in China. Finally, active researches in understanding of the basic biology of the AIDS virus in an effort to find a cure or to develop a potent vaccine against this viral infection should be the ultimate goal of this pathogen-host or HIV/AIDS-human interaction.

The goal of this special issue is to systematically introduce the current situation of the HIV epidemic in China. Although it is not our intention to do so exhaustively, it covers epidemiology, social behavior, governmental policies, and roles of non-governmental organizations, patient care and treatment, as well as areas of basic science research. This special issue is intended to provide a comprehensive and primary scientific reference to those who are interested in HIV/ AIDS in China. To my knowledge, this is the first attempt in the scientific community to describe HIV/AIDS in China in such a comprehensive way through scientific publications. Another unique feature of this special issue is that all of the articles included here are contributed by experts in this special field.

As the editor of this special topic on "HIV/AIDS in China", I am especially indebted to Cell Research, a top-leading English journal based in China and part of the Nature journal family. Cell Research normally publishes only cell biologyrelated basic science articles. Because of the special status of the HIV epidemic in China, the editorial office of Cell Research has graciously agreed to publish such a special topic covering various disciplines that are not typically included in this journal.

Even though China is facing tremendous challenges in controlling its inevitable epidemic, I am optimistic about the prospects for control of HIV/AIDS in China. A government-led national campaign with the participation of all levels of appropriate organizations combined with international collaborations may very well creates yet another miracle in minimizing this deadly disease in this country.

in China Daily, US Department of Health and Human Services

China Center for Disease Control and Prevention

UNAIDS

Ministry of Health

Sate Council AIDS Working Committee Office and UN Theme Group on HIV/AIDS in China