HIV in China: epidemiology and risk factors.

Despite the low prevalence of HIV infection in most areas of China that should allow control of the epidemic, the fast developing risk environments and behaviors are reducing this opportunity. China is sitting on an 'active volcano' with respect to the HIV epidemic. A true volcano cannot yet be controlled by humans, but an HIV epidemic can. To confront the risks, a consensus of governments and the general public in concert with the efforts of health workers is most important. Above all, education targeting the general population, including policy makers, needs to be significantly promoted.