The launch ceremony of the 32nd World AIDS Day publicity activities in Chongqing. [Photo/wsjkw.cq.gov.cn]

Volunteers publicize information on how to prevent HIV/AIDS. [Photo/wsjkw.cq.gov.cn]

The 32nd World AIDS Day - which themed "Communities make the difference" - fell on Dec 1, 2019.

Chongqing launched an opening ceremony of this year’s publicity activities in Chongqing Medical University on Nov 29.

The activities aimed to increase college students' HIV/AIDS awareness, and create a positive atmosphere of HIV/AIDS prevention and control.

Despite progress made in confronting HIV worldwide, AIDS remains a major global public health challenge, threatening people's lives.

According to an official from Chongqing Municipal Health Commission, the city has reported more than 48,000 living HIV infected persons and AIDS patients. 13,000 people have died of AIDS-related illnesses since the first case of HIV infection was found in Chongqing in 1993, up to October 2019.

At the same time, cases are characterized by uneven regional distribution. The incidence rate of HIV among men and women aged over 50 years old in the region has increased.

Chongqing has achieved significant progress in reducing HIV prevalence rate and AIDS-related deaths.

Chongqing has improved its AIDs prevention and control working mechanism, clarified responsibilities and increased collaboration among different departments, and encouraged social organizations and groups to work on HIV prevention.

Chongqing Municipal Health Commission has taken the reform in the disease prevention and control system as an opportunity to continue to innovate mechanisms and methods, ensure sound public health services, and focus on key areas, groups and links.