Ahead of World AIDS Day December 1, China, one of the nearly 70 countries worldwide that denies entry to people with HIV/AIDS, is considering a move to lift its two-decade-old ban on foreigners entering the country with the virus.
The proposed move, which will need the approval of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, comes as the nation prepares for next year's Shanghai Expo, which is likely attract four million overseas visitors.
"I hope China will remove the ban thoroughly and forever by the time of the Shanghai Expo," said Vice-Minister of Health Huang Jiefu.
He said the Ministry of Health is working with other central government departments to have the ban lifted before the Shanghai Expo begins May 1. If it is not done by that time, he indicated the government will likely grant a special waiver allowing people with HIV/AIDS to enter the country for the event, as it did during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
China reported its first AIDS case in 1985 and imposed the ban in the late 80s, something experts say is unnecessary and discriminatory. Since the ban was imposed, it became mandatory for people entering the country for a short-term visit to declare at the border they are HIV-free. Those wanting to stay long-term must undergo a blood test and if they are found to be HIV-positive, they are refused entry.
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