You may be familiar with the following logo:

It's a global symbol of love and care for people infected with HIV/AIDS. But, have you ever thought that you may also be at risk for infection? That is the very idea the public service announcement Umbrella aims to convey, especially to girls between the ages of 15-25.

Qin Lan performs in the public service announcement Umbrella, October 10, 2009. [Fan Junmei/China.org.cn]

Under the coordination of the China HIV/AIDS Media Partnership (CHAMP), Umbrella was filmed in Beijing Saturday. It was directed by Lu Chuan, who also directed the box-office hit Nanjing! Nanjing!. Qin Lan, a young actress and real-life girlfriend of Lu, plays the leading role of an angel that shelters a girl from the rain. Using a red umbrella, her actions symbolize that educating oneself about HIV/AIDS can prevent infection and curb the spread of the disease.

Knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention in China has decreased since 2007. According to a survey by CHAMP, 88.7 percent of the female respondents assumed there was no way they could be infected; 86.5 percent never actively learned about HIV/AIDS; and 50.7 percent said they never used condoms. Another report showed that 50 percent of the new infection cases were spread through unprotected sex.

Lu Chuan and Qin Lan express their will of doing something for the public welfare during an interview. [Fan Junmei/China.org.cn]

Managed by GBC China (Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, TB & Malaria), CHAMP is a unique collaboration of media companies, private businesses, NGOs, government sectors and UN agencies. It mobilizes the communication power of mass media to fight HIV/AIDS in China. Through Umbrella, CHAMP hopes to arouse the awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention among the public.

Michael Shiu, regional director of GBC China, noted that volunteerism is crucial for prevention. "Many volunteers came today to assist in the shooting of Umbrella. Everyone wants to be part of the campaign. We welcome more people to join us."

Lu and Qin also expressed their will of doing something for the public welfare. "We are honored to be involved in such a serious, noble campaign and sincerely hope Umbrella will wake people up and help them realize that HIV/AIDS is right at their side. It spreads rapidly because of imprudence and ignorance," said Lu, very seriously. "Girls need to know how to better protect themselves," added Qin.

Umbrella is expected to be released to the public by the end of November.