About two years ago, Zhang Jianxin,a professor with Sichuan University then, was on the verge of abandoning an AIDS prevention and treatment program due to the lack of cooperation from local residents.

Today, the Sino-British cooperative program is a great success and has been implemented throughout Sichuan Province in southwest China. The new concepts and teaching methods introduced from abroad have been well-received by the people there.

"International cooperation has provided not only funds, but also modern ideas and methods which have helped Chinese people to open their minds to new concepts," said Zhang, who works as a Chinese expert for the joint program.

The program was initiated in 2000, when the British government decided to give China 15.3 million British pounds (about 9.87 million US dollars) over a 5-year period to launch a program on AIDS prevention, monitoring and education in Yunnan and Sichuan provinces.

Statistics show that China has been engaged in cooperative efforts with more than 30 international organizations, countries and regions in nearly 100 AIDS-related programs.

"Chinese people have come to realize that AIDS victims should not be blamed in terms of moral," Zhang said. "It represents a breakthrough in AIDS education in China."

Just recently, Chinese people tended to classify HIV and AIDS patients into several groups. Those who contracted the virus through blood transfusions received sympathy, while those who contracted it as a result of sexual behavior, homosexual activity,or intravenous drug use were blamed for their conduct.

"Chinese people have come to realize that HIV/AIDS is the enemy, rather than its victims," said Sun Gang, an official with the Beijing Office of the United Nations Program on AIDS.

Chinese AIDS patients are receiving support from all sectors of society. In some places, they are treated and cared for as common people who have special needs.

International cooperation in HIV/AIDS prevention has also led the Chinese government to take more concrete measures to fight the disease. Methods previously viewed as "indecent", such as the public distribution of condoms, are now well-received and considered effective.

"The problem of AIDS cannot be resolved through medical methods alone," said Zhang Jianxin. "It involves an understanding of the patients' psychology and behavior."

Many Chinese psychologists and sociologists are working with the Sichuan HIV/AIDS prevention program. "We not only treat the patients inflicted with disease, but also work to rehabilitate them," Zhang said.

He has come in contact with over 1,000 HIV/AIDS patients, including prostitutes and drug users, over the past three years. "We are trying to help them find the meaning of health, life and love again," the scholar said.

( October 21, 2002)