More than 100 university students wearing red ribbons -- the
international symbol of HIV/AIDS awareness -- will head into rural
China to disseminate knowledge on HIV/AIDS prevention and
treatment.
Having received intensive training, the 13 teams, each comprising
10 students selected from universities nationwide, will also care
for those suffering with the killer virus.
The 130 students will travel to town fairs, ports and stations of
10 provinces and autonomous regions to spread their knowledge,
while training classes will be organized for local trade unions,
schools and enterprises.
An
official with the Ministry of Health believed the event will help
improve HIV/AIDS prevention in China.
"In vast rural areas, many farmers are still ignorant about AIDS,
and improving their awareness is a critical task for us," said Xiao
Donglou, who is in charge of disease control with the ministry, at
the launch of the event Monday in Beijing.
"We want to arm the local officials with the appropriate knowledge,
and, after we leave, they can continue our efforts."
Xiao said public awareness about respecting and understanding
HIV/AIDS patients needs to be improved.
"Meanwhile, we must stress the importance of educating the public
about showing compassion for HIV/AIDS patients and their families,"
noted Xiao.
Xiao said the government is going to provide "comprehensive care"
to thousands of HIV/AIDS victims, and to curb the spread of the
virus.
Experts estimate the number of HIV cases in China has reached
850,000, while the number of AIDS patients has topped 200,000.
The central government's goal is to contain HIV infections to 1.5
million people by 2010. But experts warn, if the number of cases
increases at the current rate, it will reach 10 million by
2010.
Xiao said the government is preparing a national comprehensive care
strategy to create a better living environment for HIV/AIDS
patients.
(China
Daily July 16, 2002)