In order to obtain more accurate information about the trends and epidemic characteristics of sexually transmitted diseases (STD), Guangzhou is planed to establish an active surveillance network, led by the Guangzhou Skin Diseases Prevention Institute, according to Ye Xingdong, Deputy Chief of the institute.

The 20 Candidate sites of the network will be selected from the current 76 conventional STD surveillance sites in Guangzhou, and also be selected in some the STD Divisions of Hospitals and gynecological clinics.

In these selected sites some STD examination items will be provided free of charge for staff or pregnant women under their permission. The examination will cover STD high-risk and susceptible groups, such as sex workers, patients in gynecology clinics, immigrant peasant workers, coach drivers and pregnant women.

Editor: Yan