Chinese president vows to mobilize society to improve AIDS control

BEIJING, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao pledged to mobilize the society to improve AIDS/HIV control, when taking part in a gathering of AIDS prevention volunteers here Monday, a day before the 22nd World AIDS Day.

It was the fourth in six years that Hu met medical staff, researchers, AIDS patients and volunteers ahead the day.

These high-profile moves showcased the government's resolve to tackle the growing AIDS problems in the country and help remove the social stigma against HIV-positive people.

"We must see that there are still tough tasks to prevent and control the spread of AIDS and volunteers have lots of work to do," Hu said, when meeting with the volunteers in this field.

He called for them to help more AIDS patients and the HIV-positive, especially working to reduce discrimination against them.

Hu pledged to mobilize various resources in the society to improve the prevention and control work.

On Monday morning, Hu visited the China National Convention Center, where Beijing volunteers launched a weekly AIDS prevention campaign since Nov. 29, to improve the awareness at schools, communities and construction sites.

Pinned a crimson ribbon on his chest, Hu also met doctors and talked with AIDS patients.