The British Embassy Beijing and the UK charity Barry and Martins Trust (BMT) partnered to hold a World AIDS Day event at Ditan Hospital in Beijing on December 1. The event honored the contributions made by doctors and nurses the hospital toward improving the quality of life of those suffering from HIV/AIDS. It also highlighted UK support for those suffering from the disease.

Dan Chugg, UK Political Counsellor (middle in the left side), meets leaders of Beijing Ditan Hospital to learn more about their efforts towards HIV/AIDS prevention in China, December 1, 2010. [China.org.cn]

China is facing great challenges fighting AIDS, though it has made some progress in AIDS prevention, treatment and education. There are about 700,000 HIV carriers in the country, and the disease spreads primarily through sexual actions. In addition to government efforts, more Chinese grassroots organizations are needed to contribute to the fight.

BMT is an English registered charity active since 1996 between England and China in AIDS education, prevention and care. The Trust supports hospitals in China for HIV/AIDS treatment and care. It also sponsors Chinese doctors and nurses on training visits to England.

The Trust supports the gay community in China, especially through the sexual health center at Ditan Hospital, which is run by the Red Ribbon organization, the first registered social group in Beijing dedicated to caring for AIDS patients.

Eugene Chang, a BMT trustee, said the government should support greater public education and an expanded role for grassroots organizations.

"The biggest challenge to fight against AIDS in China is to eliminate the discrimination against HIV patients. Both the Chinese government and the media can do better in educating people about the disease," Chang said. "The government should also give more grassroots organizations legal status in fighting against AIDS."

Dan Chugg, political counselor at the British Embassy, echoed Chang's sentiments about the benefit of grassroots organizations.

"The new British government encourages people within communities to get together to create little organizations that can provide services and outreach activities," Chugg said.