|
Project pools social sources to fight AIDS
(March 29,2003 )(China Daily)
A major public welfare programme was launched in Beijing on Friday
to support Chinese authorities in their fight against the deadly
disease HIV/AIDS.
The programme, called "121
United Project,'' aims to pool society's efforts in combating the
virus which by the end of last year had infected more than 1 million
Chinese people, with the infection rate rising by 30 per cent annually,
said Zeng Yi.
Zeng, director of the Chinese Foundation for Prevention
of STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) and AIDS, presided over the
opening ceremony of the programme which is sponsored by his Foundation.
The project also has the support of about 30 ministries
including the Ministry of Education, 48 community groups including
China Charity Federation, more than 40 media outlets, and many international
organizations such as the World Health Organization.
The ceremony also marked the opening of the "121
AIDS Centre for Collecting Donations'' under the foundation. A donation
hot line (8610--66094121) has been set up to collect both domestic
and overseas donations.
"The programme will be vital in preventing
and controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic which needs a collective response
from individuals and businesses as well as the government,'' said
Vice-Minister Ma Xiaowei at the ceremony.
The annual central government budget for HIV/AIDS
prevention and control has increased from 15 million yuan (US$1.8
million) by 2001 to 100 million (US$12 million) since then.
However, the budget is so limited given the number
of HIV victims and AIDS patients that most fail to receive good medical
treatment or social understanding, particularly in under-developed
areas.
Most of the donations will go towards emergency relief
for HIV/AIDS victims who would otherwise go without medical treatment
or children orphaned by HIV/AIDS, Zeng noted.
Public health activities including advertisements
and consultations will also be held, with the media's help, to improve
public awareness of the disease and provide more understanding of
and support for HIV/AIDS victims.
The donations will also be used to support research
into new medicines and vaccines for AIDS, and to recognize people
who have made outstanding contributions to the prevention and control
of the disastrous virus.
Zeng warned that the deadly epidemic could affect
10 million people by 2010 -- potentially more than in any other country
-- unless better prevention measures are taken immediately.
The State Council has issued a long-term plan for
HIV/AIDS control from 1998 to 2010, which focuses on preventive measures
such as ensuring the safety of blood supplies, fighting drug abuse
and prostitution.
|