Chinese premier Wen visits HIV/AIDS patients

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-02-2007 08:57

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao talks with AIDS orphans at the Zhonghua Red Ribbon Home of the Lugang township in Shangcai County, central China's Henan Province, Nov. 30, 2007, a day before the 20th World AIDS Day. Wen on Friday paid a visit, the second since 2005, to China's worst AIDS-hit villages in Henan Province. (Xinhua Photo)

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has been visiting HIV/AIDS patients in Henan province as part of World Aids Day, as well as children orphaned by the deadly disease.

Henan reported its first AIDS case in 1995. By the end of 2006, the province had more than 35,000 HIV carriers, including nearly 22,000 AIDS patients.

In Wenlou Village, there are 373 HIV carriers, in addition to 360 AIDS patients. That makes one patient for every three families. It is one of the villages in Henan most severely affected by HIV. And Premier Wen Jiabao paid it a visit.

In a clinic, an AIDS patient told the premier that, with the help of the local government, he is now doing well. He received free medical treatment and was even given a job in a local factory.

Premier Wen was pleased to hear that and expressed appreciation to the clinic's staff.

However, when he heard that there are still people outside Wenlou who won't buy vegetables produced here, he called for more education for the general public. He said discrimination against HIV/AIDS patients should be eliminated.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao talks with AIDS orphans in Shangcai County, central China's Henan Province, Nov. 30, 2007, a day before the 20th World AIDS Day. (Xinhua Photo)

Premier Wen also visited AIDS orphans at a school. He reassured the children they will not be abandoned by the government or the society.

Wen said, "You're unfortunate for losing your parents very young. But you're also fortunate, because many people around the country are concerned about you. So I hope your lives won't be shadowed by the loss of your parents. You need to keep this in mind. The world is always bright. The sun will always shine, spreading its light over our world, on our society, and into our children's hearts."

Wen Jiabao also went to the children's dining room and dormitory, and was satisfied with what he saw.

The premier then visited a family consisting of a volunteer couple and four AIDS orphans. This arrangement is just one way Henan province has used to help its AIDS orphans. The local government also subsidizes families like this.

After his visits, Wen Jiabao listened to officials reporting on their work on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.

The premier said Henan province has made great progress on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, but much still needs to be done. He said it is a long-term and arduous task, and that knowledge about the disease should be better disseminated.