Epidemiological Characteristics of Newly-Reported HIV Cases Among Youth Aged 15−24 Years — China, 2010−2019
Hao Zhao, Hui Liu, Lu Wang, Xuan Yang, Shaorong Wang, Mengjie Han, Jian Li
Abstract
WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: An estimated 1,400 new cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) occur every day among youths globally. However, HIV distribution among youth aged 15-24 years in China has not been researched extensively. WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT?: Between 2010 and 2019, a total of 141,557 HIV cases among the group aged 15-24 years were reported in China with a male to female ratio at 4.07∶1. The main route of HIV transmission was unprotected sex among men who have sex with men (MSM), and heterosexual transmission for females. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE?: Effective HIV control and prevention measures need to target youth aged 15-24 years, especially among MSM. Sexual health education and HIV prevention should start from primary and secondary school levels.