AIDS: Progress in spite of prejudice

Today, December 1st, marks the 22nd annual World AIDS Day. In an effort to raise people's awareness, and eliminate prejudice against AIDS patients in China, the Health Ministry and an HIV support group -- working with the UN AIDS Program -- have issued a new report.

This is China's first report containing complete and accurate data, about the prejudice AIDS patients suffer.

The report shows, 25% of medical workers, one third of government officials, and more than 30 percent of teachers are biased against those infected with AIDS.

Prejudice generates fear, hampering the public from getting correct information.

Huang Jiefu, Vice Minister of chinese Health Ministry, said, "Figures in the report show a fifth of AIDS patients feel discriminated against. It is a big problem, because the prevention of AIDS needs people's understanding.

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