Infectious diseases in China 2019, by mortality rate

Since 2008, HIV/AIDS remains the most fatal infectious disease in China. In 2019, approximately 15.04 out of one million people in China died from AIDS. Tuberculosis was the second leading death cause among the communicable diseases, with 2.14 deaths per one million population. Influenza stood at the sixth spot while hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) ranked tenth.

Who are the high risk groups?

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has become a growing concern for the major population in China. A majority of new infections were the result from sexual transmission. Although the prevalence rate has been relatively low, the trend of new diagnoses in people aged from 15 to 24 years has been alarming, with gay men disproportionately represented. Children under the age of 14 are the most vulnerable group to contract common infectious diseases like influenza and HFMD. The Chinese government has thus introduced healthcare initiatives dedicated to vaccinating children up to the age of 14 under the Extended Program for Immunization (EPI). The efforts have been fruitful with significant improvement in the healthcare status of children under the age of five in the country.

How is disease controlled in China?

The world’s most populous nation has made considerable efforts in tracking and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Alongside geographical and demographic challenges, the mortality rate of infectious diseases has seen a slight increase over the recent years. Seasonal diseases, especially Influenza and mumps, are easily widespread and have pressed the demand for efficient disease prevention and control. In response, the Chinese government has ramped up the supply of influenza vaccines and HPV vaccines.