Red Cross Launches China HIV Prevention Program

On Friday, the Red Cross Society of China kicked off its first-ever nationwide HIV prevention program. The organization said it plans to escalate its prevention work toward the goal of reaching all 31 of China's provinces and municipalities by 2010. Just 22 of these areas had started HIV projects as of 2007, according to the organization. Program goals include using peer education and information dissemination to prevent additional HIV infections; improving the care and support services available for those living with the virus; and fighting HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination. The Chinese government has recently improved its AIDS outreach and last month introduced a program to prevent HIV infections among men who have sex with men. Even so, the government continues to prosecute Hu Jia, a prominent AIDS activist who is charged with incitement to subvert state power.

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