The fight against Aids is being stepped up in Guangdong province and Chongqing municipality in the wake of figures showing HIV infections could reach 10 million by 2010. Guangdong, which had more than 1,800 new HIV cases last year, has introduced a scheme under which drug addicts can buy needles at designated pharmacies. A provincial Department of Health survey showed 53 per cent of intravenous drug users share needles. More than 80 per cent of the province's 1,800 new cases of HIV last year are drug-related. Meanwhile, the Chongqing municipal government has announced it will give away condoms from next month. People in high-risk groups such as sex workers and drug users will be targeted. It is expected a million condoms will be given away every year. The municipal government hopes that more than 50 per cent of people in high-risk groups will use condoms by 2005. The State Council has passed a five-year plan and approved funding of 100 million yuan (HK$94 million) to prevent and control the spread of Aids.
