All Shanghai residents including migrants and expatriates can now receive free AIDS/HIV consultation and testing at 20 disease prevention and control centers and the Shanghai Public Health Center, authorities said last Friday. 　

"Free consultations and tests are the most effective methods for detecting HIV-positive people early and preventing the spread of the disease," said Peng Jing, a Shanghai Health Bureau official.

"The subjects can remain anonymous during the whole process, and our medical staff is required to respect people's privacy."

Doctors will provide consultation before any testing takes place, suggesting checks for those who exhibit risky behavior. Follow-up consulting will take place after each test as well.

"If the person tests positive, the results are given on the spot. Doctors will require the person to undergo a further check at the only city-based laboratory," said Lu Wei, vice director of the Shanghai Disease Prevention and Control Center. "If an infection is confirmed, the patient will be included in the city's HIV/AIDS treatment network."

(China Daily September 26, 2005)