Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao told UN officials on Monday that China is determined and capable of controlling HIV/AIDS in the country.

"China is still facing serious challenges in HIV/AIDS prevention and control, but the Chinese government is determined and capable of curbing the spread of the disease to ensure the people live a healthy and peaceful life," Wen said in a meeting with Peter Piot, executive director of the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

China has an estimated 840,000 people infected with HIV, including 80,000 with full-blown AIDS.

Wen said the Chinese government attaches great importance to the work of HIV/AIDS prevention and control and has set up a working mechanism led by the government, coordinated by different departments, and with the participation of all social sectors.

China's cabinet set up a high-level committee in 2004. The organization, known as the AIDS Prevention Committee, is headed by Vice-Premier Wu Yi, and involves 23 central government departments and institutions, and leading officials of relevant departments of seven provincial governments.

Wen said China has formulated its national guideline on HIV/AIDS prevention and enacted a series of policies. "We have also greatly increased financial input and manpower into the fight against HIV/AIDS."

In September 2003, the Chinese government announced that it would provide free anti-retroviral treatment to AIDS patients in rural areas and urbanites with financial difficulties. The government also promised free HIV screening, free therapy to address mother-to-infant transmission, free infant HIV testing and financial assistance for orphans whose parents have died of AIDS.

Wen said China also increased efforts to curb the spread of the disease among higher-risk groups and enhanced public education to spread awareness of self-protection and fighting social discrimination.

"Those efforts have led to significant results," he said, adding that the Chinese government will continue to intensify their efforts and make sure that all policies and measures are fully implemented.

Wen also expressed appreciation for international help, saying that the Chinese government wants to improve exchanges and cooperation with the international community to make its due contribution to the global fight against HIV/AIDS.

Piot said he was deeply impressed with the Chinese government's determination and its policies.

He said China is playing a positive role in the global fight against HIV/AIDS and UNAIDS will continue to offer its help and support.

(Xinhua News Agency June 14, 2005)