ZHENGZHOU, Jan. 11 (Xinhuanet) -- Central China's Henan Province has started to give free checkups to homosexual men with an aim to curb the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), especially HIV/AIDS, among the group.

    It is the first time for a provincial-level government to sponsor such tests, which covers HIV/AIDS, syphilis and hepatitis,the provincial disease control and prevention center has said.

    The tests are part of a research project jointly conducted by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Health Ministry,

    Wang Zhe, vice director of the center, said the tests will be given in seven to ten days, covering 200 male homosexuals. The results will be analyzed by researchers to gain more knowledge about the prevalence of STDs among the group of people.

    Along with the health examinations, the organizers will also hand out questionnaires to learn about their families, marital status, sex orientation and behaviors.

    Since Chinese homosexuals are mostly living in "closets" and not willing to be exposed, the center will work with local volunteering groups for homosexuals to recruit participants.

    The respondents will be anonymous and their information be kept confidential, said Wang.

    "I would like to take such tests. To know more about my health is responsible to myself and my partner as well," said an unidentified respondent.

    The research project will be concurrently launched in eight other cities, including Chengdu, Chongqing and Nanjing. Enditem