BEIJING - The number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in China had hit 497,000 by the end of Oct., with 154,000 deaths, according to latest official figures.

Highlighting an obvious increase in the number of HIV carriers and AIDS patients, Wang Guoqiang, vice director of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, revealed the figures Sunday at an HIV/AIDS awareness promotion event, ahead of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1.

Noting an overall low pandemic situation in the country with exceptions to some regions, Wang said sexual transmission is the main infection channel while mother-to-child and drug needle infection rates are in a lower level.

According to Wang, infections among young students, the middle aged and the elderly have been particularly noticeable.

A total of 3,413 anti-virus treatment institutions have been set up in 31 provincial-level regions, and more than 9,000 voluntary HIV test stations were set up nationwide.

Also on Sunday, Premier Li Keqiang vowed more work on prevention and treatment of AIDS, adding that China is willing to cooperate with other countries to combat HIV.