SHENZHEN has seen a rapid rise of HIV/AIDS cases over the past few years. Although the total number of HIV/AIDS cases is still not clear, many believe that there are at least 2,000 people in Shenzhen that have been affected with HIV/AIDS.

An official report says Shenzhen's HIV/AIDS situation is different from other places in China as most Shenzhen virus carriers are found among the migrant population.

An earlier report on the official AIDS prevention Web site said that most patient are from other parts of the country. Migrant areas have seen increasing numbers of HIV/AIDS cases, with 273 cases from Longgang and Bao'an, where migrant workers dominate the population.

"The huge number of migrants has brought great challenge to the prevention of HIV/AIDS," said Feng Tiejian, a senior doctor.

The report says that less than half the AIDS patients seek medical treatment in Shenzhen. In fact, most cannot be traced. Some people use false names for testing then disappear after they test positive.

The average age of HIV/AIDS sufferers in Shenzhen is 26.8, the report said. Most patients are not well educated, lack even basic knowledge concerning prevention.

Editor: Wing