Dr. Etienne Poirot [Photo: Zheng Yunfeng/CRIENGLISH.com]

Since China reported its first AIDS case in 1985, the world's most populous nation has recorded about 320,000 HIV/AIDS cases and 50,000 deaths by October. By counting the tens of thousands who have died of AIDS related diseases, the number of children affected in China is estimated higher than 76,000. Although HIV/AIDS is still regarded by many as "adult business", we now know children and young people are the key to halting the spread of the epidemic around the world-and in China.

UNICEF, a UN agency for children��s welfare, is closely working with the Chinese government in helping the needy. Talking to Voices From Other Lands, UNICEF HIV/AIDS section Chief Dr. Etienne Poirot says fighting the epidemic disease needs the efforts both from the government and the individuals. He visited quite a few remote areas in China and found that stigma still exists among the families and communities, and more things should be done.

Dr. Etienne Poirot says the knowledge of AIDS is the basic in tackling the stigma among the people. Sharing the successful stories is also helping among communities in fighting the disease. And the most important thing is that every one should be responsible for themselves and their beloved ones in preventing the spread of the epidemic.