China's first TV play about AIDS will make its debut on the 14th World AIDS Day which falls on December 1.

To mark this year's World AIDS Day, China Central TV (CCTV) will broadcast the play entitled "If I Have Tomorrow" on its eighth channel during prime time on the evening of December 1.

On the World AIDS Day each year, people all over the world hold various activities aimed at spreading information about AIDS including its prevention and control.

The play to be broadcast by the CCTV is produced by the China National Communication and Education Center for Family Planning(CNCECFP) with assistance from the State Family Planning Commission(SFPC).

As the first domestic TV play reflecting the life of an AIDS patient to be shown in China, "If I Have Tomorrow" is expected to arouse universal attention from all sectors of the community.

The play tells a story of a successful businessman, who becomes an HIV carrier after a casual love affair.

Pan Guiyu, vice minister of the SFPC, said that the play not only introduces to the public scientific knowledge about AIDS, but also sets a good example of the correct attitude people should hold toward the AIDS patients and their deadly disease.

The play explores the theme of AIDS from social, family, ethic and moral perspectives, cautioning people to keep away from AIDS and calling for social concern for AIDS patients, said Pan Guiyu.

CNCECFP's deputy director Liu Chunmei said that since the first AIDS case in China was discovered in 1985, the incidence of the disease has increased rapidly. By September 2001, all China's 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities have reported cases of HIV carriers.

Experts have estimated that the number of China's HIV carriers has exceeded 600,000. In the first half of this year 67.4% more people were infected with HIV than the same period last year.

Pan said that TV program is now the most effective way of disseminating AIDS-related knowledge to the Chinese people as TV coverage reaches 92% of the whole Chinese population.

Tao Jing, recording director of many famous Chinese films, including "Farewell My Concubine" and "Raise the Red Lantern", directed the TV play.

Zhao Jing and Yu Xiaoxue play the leading roles in the TV play. Pu Cunxin plays a doctor who helps the hero regain his confidence in life.

(Xinhua News Agency November 28, 2001)