The number of HIV carriers reached 2,046 in Beijing at the end of September this year, according to the municipal health bureau.

The figure of local HIV carriers has increased by 40.6 percent annually since 1998, the bureau announced Wednesday.

The confirmed HIV carriers include 403 Beijingers, 1,507 migrant, 106 foreign nationals and 30 people with unclear address.

Beijing municipal government has adopted a series of measures to curb the spread of the killer disease. Beginning in July, disease control centers of all the city's districts and counties, and some local hospitals have launched free consultations and AIDS tests.

The municipal health bureau has designated Ditan and You'an hospitals to offer free treatment on HIV carriers and AIDS patients. The bureau is held responsible for purchasing the medicines and supplies needed in treatment.

Among other measures are installation of condom vending machines, free condom handout to special groups and launching of a needle exchange program, which gives clean needles to drug users to reduce risks for spreading AIDS.

(Xinhua News Agency December 3, 2004)