Shining a light on China's AIDS/HIV shadow
- Source: Global Times
- [02:29 November 26 2009]
- Comments
To eliminate the deep-rooted discrimination is impossible, but sex education can play a critical role in reducing it.
Sex education in the early years can help to develop an understanding of family and social roles, good care of the body, and value for life, gender, and sexual health. In the long run, social acceptance of those with AIDS/HIV infection is important for mitigating their condition and making their life bearable.
The acceptance needs to be reflected in public policy, too.
Valuable lessons have been learned from China's campaigns against SARS and A (H1N1) flu that public health crises cannot be tackled without a transparent flow of health information.
The "invisibility" of the target groups makes the fight against AIDS/HIV more difficult, especially because this can lead to under-reporting of cases by local governments.
But still, legal action must be taken now.
As spelled out in the theme of this year's World AIDS Day, "Universal Access and Human Rights," the AIDS/ HIV patients are entitled to full access and equal rights to come out of the shadow and enjoy the sunshine.
