HIV/AIDS testing at ports of entry in China

J Public Health Policy. 2011 May;32(2):251-62. doi: 10.1057/jphp.2011.9. Epub 2011 Mar 3.

Abstract

In 2007 the Chinese government issued regulations requiring HIV/AIDS testing for Chinese citizens returning at ports of entry if they had resided outside China for 1 year or longer. Three years after publication and partial implementation of the regulations, the Chinese government decided to eliminate compulsory HIV/AIDS testing of returning Chinese. We examine the history of China's HIV/AIDS testing regulations on entry-exit populations, showing how China has gradually altered its policy. As of December 2010, the policy of compulsory HIV/AIDS testing of returning Chinese has been abandoned; however, the regulations still compel HIV/AIDS testing for other groups inside China. Our review sheds new light on the dynamics of regulatory changes in the last 3 years. The Chinese experience that we observed may provide useful insights for policymakers in other parts of the world.

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / prevention & control
  • China
  • Emigration and Immigration / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Government Regulation*
  • Health Policy*
  • Humans
  • Mandatory Testing / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Prevalence