Yunnan takes action to stem spread of HIV/AIDS

Health authorities in Yunnan province, which recorded 10,553 new HIV/AIDS carriers and patients last year, are trying to stem the spread of the disease by improving healthcare and funding non-governmental organizations that specialize in education and medical services.

The provincial and city governments spent 111 million yuan ($18.25 million) on prevention of the disease last year, an increase of about 5 percent from 2012, according to the Yunnan Provincial Bureau of Health. The central government contributed 348 million yuan to support the province's fight.

Last year in the province, 7,467 people were infected with HIV/AIDS but were not receiving treatment, the provincial health bureau said. More than 79,800 people in the province are infected with the disease.