In recent years, China has dramatically scaled up its response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Key steps include the establishment of HIV prevention and control as a priority in the 11th National Five-Year Development Plan (2006-2010), the development of a comprehensive policy framework for HIV/AIDS prevention treatment and care (reflected in the Five-Year action Plan to Control HIV/AIDS 2006-2010), and in March 2006, the issuance of the first legislation directly aimed at controlling HIV/AIDS (Regulations on AIDS prevention and treatment., Decree of the State Council No. 457). Under this framework, China has implemented a number of innovative harm reduction and prevention interventions and significantly strengthened its epidemiological and behavioral surveillance system. In addition, the government has launched a major treatment, care and support initiative (the Four Free and One Care) for poor rural and urban patients. These measures have been accompanied by firm demonstrations of commitment to fighting AIDS by key Chinese leaders.