HIV Epidemiology and Control in Guangxi (1986–2017)

Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is one of the least economically developed regions in China and has been granted the status of autonomous region due to the high share of Zhuang minority population in the region. HIV was initially spread mainly among drug users, later to be transmitted further to the general population. The epidemic also shows some specific patterns that are not as prevalent in other parts of the country. For instance, the region has the highest rate of heterosexual transmission in China, and the prevalence among senior citizens has become alarmingly high in later years (the share of reported cases age 50 and above, makes up almost 60%). In addition to this, Guangxi faces issues with a large number of late diagnosed cases; around 50% of those diagnosed are already in an advanced clinical stage. Also related to this, the region exhibits the highest HIV-related mortality rates in China. In comparison with other Chinese regions, the HIV epidemic is relatively evenly distributed throughout the region, making it difficult to target the response. In response to these issues, there have been a large number of programs implemented to increase testing and facilitate treatment.