The first cases of HIV reported in China were in 1989 in the city of Ruili, Yunnan. Back then, only 146 people were found to have the virus. By the end of 2005 it had 40,157 cases, 28 percent of the national total of 140,000. Now, officials say it has spread to all 16 prefectures and 129 counties, infecting an estimated 85,000 people, the worst hit being in the poorer border regions.

"HIV is entering the general population. There are places with more than 1 percent of pregnant women and more than 2 percent pre-married couples that are infected," said Hermann, who said an effective model was needed urgently for such areas.

And following the success of the TCE, Yunnan CDC director Lu said more awareness campaigns were urgently needed from government and civil agencies to get the message to all groups.

Chris Spohr, a social economist with ADB, agreed. He said he believes the front-line in the battle to prevent HIV and AIDS is with communities and individuals hard to reach by the government.

In partnership with the government, agencies can bring a very different set of weapons to the battle, he said, citing TCE's work as vital in breaking the vicious cycle of poverty and disease.

With field officers and volunteers, it has demonstrated an intense grassroots model for high-prevalence areas like Lincang, where the epidemic is intertwined with issues of remoteness and diverse cultures, he said.

Lu said he looked forward to working with more non-governmental organiszations in fighting the spread of HIV and AIDS. "CDC should be a coach, teaching and mobilizing. The battle cannot be done by one department. It takes all sections of society," he added.

(China Daily February 19, 2009)