CRI NEWS

Beijing Defending HIV/AIDS by Raising Public Awareness

2004-11-29 15:58:11 CRIENGLISH.com

China now has some 80,000 registered AIDS patients, with another 840,000 carrying the HIV virus. The country has vowed to take strong measures to put the brake on any further spread of the killer disease. And in Beijing, an annual marathon has been held to raise public awareness against the deadly virus. Lin Lin reports.

53-year-old Yu Dejiang was among the thousands of Beijing marathon runners for World AIDS Day, which falls this Wednesday. As he ran, he distributed leaflets on HIV/AIDS to onlookers, to increase awareness of the disease – and prevention measures – to the public.

"I think it's a good way to emphasize the importance of fighting HIV/AIDS, and an effective approach to making the public aware of the virus."

China now has 80,000 AIDS patents, with another 840,000 HIV positive. Although it only accounts for a small proportion of the population, the number of those infected is the second largest among Asian countries, with an even swelling potential.

Against this backdrop, China is launching sweeping social programs to raise public awareness and provide easy access to prevention information.

In the capital, a special committee has been established to work out health policies, and offer financial and social support for the needy. Also this year, Beijing has installed condoms vending machines in public places, and will allow methadone treatment, a medical approach to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS among intravenous drug abusers.

Director of Beijing's Health Bureau, Jin Dapeng says the city is on the forefront to eradicate channels through which the virus spreads.

"AIDS has recently started spreading among the general public, rather than special groups in China, and Beijing, as the capital city, is a crucial stage to fight the disease, and we will mobilize all forces to control the spread of the killer virus."

The Chinese health official reveals intensified efforts will be made to promote education among the public. What's more, several universities are starting to offer professional courses on AIDS education. Lin Lin, CRI News

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