Chinese authorities are blocking access by their citizenry to web sites containing information about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like AIDS. Combined with the worrisome state of health-care in China, I think these actions may prove to fan the fires of the current AIDS epidemic in Asia. When the Chinese government tried to control information about SARS, it led to panic and rampant, unfounded beliefs that herbs or vinegar could cure the disease.
1. Source at BBC News (also linked in post called “Cover Up News, Hands Off Porn?”)
2. Source at Nexis.com (Washington Post article dated 4 May 03 by G. Lazarus entitled “Sick and Tired Of Their Own System…”), registration required.
3. Source at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
