Contributions of international cooperation projects to the HIV/AIDS response in China.
BACKGROUND
For 20 years, China has participated in 267 international cooperation projects against the HIV/AIDS epidemic and received ∼526 million USD from over 40 international organizations. These projects have played an important role by complementing national efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS in China.


METHODS
The diverse characteristics of these projects followed three phases over 20 years. Initially, stand-alone projects provided technical support in surveillance, training or advocacy for public awareness. As the epidemic spread across China, projects became a part of the comprehensive and integrated national response. Currently, international best practices encourage the inclusion of civil society and non-governmental organizations in an expanded response to the epidemic.


RESULTS
Funding from international projects has accounted for one-third of the resources provided for the HIV/AIDS response in China. Beyond this strong financial support, these programmes have introduced best practices, accelerated the introduction of AIDS policies, strengthened capacity, improved the development of grassroots social organizations and established a platform for communication and experience sharing with the international community. However, there are still challenges ahead, including integrating existing resources and exploring new programme models. The National Centre for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention (NCAIDS) in China is consolidating all international projects into national HIV prevention, treatment and care activities.


CONCLUSIONS
International cooperation projects have been an invaluable component of China's response to HIV/AIDS, and China has now been able to take this information and share its experiences with other countries with the help of these same international programmes.
Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
Jiangping
J
Sun
Hui
H
Liu
Hui
H
Li
Liqiu
L
Wang
Haoyan
H
Guo
Duo
D
Shan
Marc
M
Bulterys
Christine
C
Korhonen
Yang
Y
Hao
Minghui
M
Ren
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D003376:Counseling; D015658:HIV Infections; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D018571:Sentinel Surveillance; D012931:Social Environment
D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents