CHINA'S overall goal for AIDS prevention in the coming five years is to keep the number of HIV carriers below 1.5 million by 2010, Health Minister Gao Qiang said in Beijing yesterday.

More than 40,000 were found to be HIV positive out of about 2 million people in initial AIDS tests this year in China, Gao said at a press conference.

These people included blood donors and drug addicts.

By the end of September, China reported 135,630 cases of HIV infection, according to the latest figures released by the Ministry of Health, but experts estimate the number could be 840,000.

The Chinese government has allocated 800 million yuan (US$100 million) to support AIDS prevention and treatment in 2005, said Gao.

In comparison, the figure in 2002 was 100 million yuan. The money is mainly used for AIDS tests, AIDS awareness, treatment of AIDS patients, and prevention among high-risk people, said Gao.

China is carrying out an assessment of the country's AIDS epidemic situation together with experts from the World Health Organization and the United Nations.

"The assessment will reflect China's AIDS situation in a more objective and accurate way," Gao said. "We'll publicize the results in time."

China's State-grade AIDS monitoring sites rose to 247 in late 2004, a sharp comparison with 194 at the end of 2003.

The country has so far organized 2,686 working teams specially set up for AIDS prevention among high-risk people.

It is going to launch a nationwide publicity campaign among its 120 million migrant workers to raise their awareness of HIV/AIDS.

The State Council, the Ministry of Health and several other government departments Tuesday jointly initiated a program starting in December aiming to ensure that 65 percent of migrant workers have access to HIV/AIDS knowledge by the end of 2006 and 85 percent by the end of 2010.

Stop AIDS ... Keep the Promise

Dec.1 has become World AIDS Day, dedicated to raising awareness of the global AIDS epidemic caused by the spread of HIV infection.

This year, the theme is "Stop AIDS... Keep the Promise." It is about getting involved so that everyone can make a difference in the global fight against HIV and AIDS.

World AIDS Day is now in its 18th year. The concept originated at the 1988 World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programs for AIDS Prevention. Since then, the cause has been taken up by governments, international organizations and charities around the world. Today's focus will take you to have a look at two HIV/AIDS sufferers' lives and convince you that your love and support are desired. All the heroes and heroines are not with their real names to protect their privacy.

Over the years, the Red Ribbon has become an international symbol of AIDS awareness worn year-round but especially on World AIDS Day to demonstrate care and concern about HIV and AIDS, and to remind people of the need for their support and commitment.

Editor: Wing