HIV infections in Dehong decline amid border region challenges, study finds

A recent study published in the Chinese Journal of Epidemiology has reported a slowdown in the rising trend of HIV infections among Chinese and Myanmar's populations in Dehong Dai and Jingpo autonomous prefecture of China's Yunnan province over the past two decades. From 2000 to 2023, a total of 24,989 new HIV cases were reported in the region, with 14,594 (58.4 percent) involving Chinese nationals and 10,395 (41.6 percent) involving Myanmar's people.

The paper, authored by Dehong's Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, found that the HIV detection rate among Chinese nationals rose sharply from 1.0 per 10,000 in 2000 to 15.4 per 10,000 in 2004. However, the rate then began to decline, falling to 1.2 per 10,000 in 2023.

The study attributes the initial increase to intensified testing efforts after Dehong was designated a key area for HIV/AIDS prevention and control in 2004. However, since 2020, the number of new cases has significantly decreased, largely due to resources being redirected toward COVID-19 pandemic response.

Heterosexual transmission was the primary mode of HIV transmission among both groups, but the study found that Myanmar's individuals had a higher incidence of non-marital and non-commercial sexual transmission compared to their Chinese counterparts. Notably, the proportion of HIV cases linked to drug use was higher among the Myanmar's population — 24.6 percent, compared to 10.7 percent among the Chinese.

Dehong, located on the border between China and Myanmar, has long been a hotspot for HIV transmission due to frequent cross-border interactions. Myanmar's nationals have increasingly become a key demographic in the region's HIV prevention efforts, with their infections surpassing those of Chinese nationals in 2012, a trend that has continued despite the impact of COVID-19.

The study emphasized the importance of targeted HIV prevention measures, including education campaigns for Myanmar's communities to reduce extramarital sexual behavior and further expansion of HIV testing among Chinese nationals. It also called for enhanced cross-border cooperation with Myanmar to strengthen HIV prevention efforts in the region.

Despite progress, the paper noted that challenges persist in controlling HIV transmission, especially in border areas where drug use and high-risk sexual behaviors remain prevalent. Further efforts are needed to mitigate the risks of cross-border HIV transmission and to continue monitoring and supporting affected populations.