In a statement to mark World Aids Day, the health authority in China has revealed that there are currently about 700 thousand people in the country who have been infected with HIV/AIDS, among whom over 440 thousand might not even be aware that they have the virus.

These unfortunate people have aroused public attention.

The Beijing news carries a commentary, saying that discrimination against AIDS victims is the main cause behind the huge number of people who are unaware they have the disease, because they avoid being tested.

The paper also points out that the legal system's failure to protect the rights of AIDS patients' has contributed to a large number of people avoiding HIV tests.

They are afraid of losing their jobs, or adversely affecting the lives of their loved ones, if they are found to be HIV carriers.

Besides, insufficient social involvement is another reason for so many unknown HIV cases. The paper suggests that as the official organizations can't reach all the potential AIDS victims, they should cooperate with more AIDS organizations in society.