Chinese president vows to mobilize society to improve AIDS control

BEIJING, Nov.30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao pledged to mobilize the whole 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.

Chinese President Hu Jintao pledged to mobilize the whole 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 time 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.

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 watched volunteers simulating the AIDS peer education programs at the function, logged on the AIDS control website named Beijing Red Ribbon and joined them to make red ribbon pins.

Beijing now has more than 50,000 volunteers engaged in AIDS prevention and control work.

Hu appreciated their valuable work.

"China still faces a severe AIDS problem and we should mobilize the forces of all social sectors to tackle the problem persistently," he said.

At the function, many young people are registering themselves as volunteers.

"I am very proud of being a volunteer in AIDS prevention programs. As a medical student, I am willing to contribute my share to the cause," Liu Dantong, a postgraduate student of the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, told the President at the function.

Hu admired her devotion for the cause.