(1) HIV/AIDS Contagion

Japan today faces a serious rise in the number of HIV/AIDS cases . 231patients were diagnosed as having contracted AIDS ( third highest record) and 422 people ( second highest record) were reported to be HIV positive in l998.
In view of the alarming spread of HIV/AIDS worldwide, the Government has formulated and is implementing the Stop AIDS Seven-Year Plan.

(2) Increasing drug abuse by minors

The number of juveniles brought into custody for using stimulants and other drugs has been increasing in recent years, girls accounting for about a half of offenders.
(In l997 46.5% of the 1596 juveniles taken into custody for drug abuse were girls).
Drug abuse can seriously impair the physical and mental health of girls, and hinder their healthy growth.
The police are cracking down on drug abuse at the supply source, and promoting measures that aim at identifying detection of juvenile drug use at an early stage, providing guidance and follow up activities to prevent recidivism.
The Ministry of Welfare's Drug Abuse Containment Team? enforce prevention measures, conducts drug abuse prevention campaigns, organizes drug abuse prevention caravan cars to educate the public about drug abuse, and also monitors and provides guidance to businesses handling drugs.

(3) Deliberations on the low-dose contraceptive pill

Manufacturers are currently applying for permission to either manufacture or import low-dose contraceptive pills.
Currently, the Central Pharmaceutical Affairs Council which advises the Minister of Health and Welfare, is deliberating the approval of the low-dose contraceptive pill.