Issue

Issue

Action

Action

Impact

Impact

 

Issue

© UNICEF/China/2004

HIV/AIDS is still regarded by many as "adult business."  We now know children and young people are the key to halting the spread of the epdimic around the world-and in China. 

Few people recognize children, young people and AIDS as a prominent issue.  But data tell us otherwise:
• Half of all new HIV infections are among young people, yet many young people don't think they are at risk, and do not have the necessary knowledge and skills to prevent HIV infection;
• 650,000 people estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS in China.  By counting the tens of thousands who have died of AIDS related diseases, we know that number of children affected is far higher than 76,000, a 2002 estimate of children who lost one or both parents to AIDS;
• It is estimated in 2005 alone, over 1,100 children got infected through mother to child transmission;
• Infected children urgently need life-saving drugs and proper care to survive and develop;
• In a 2004 study by Ministry of Health, nearly 60% of urban residents said they were not willing to work with people infected with HIV. 

Stigma and discrimination are depriving the rights of children affected by AIDS, hindering people from seeking testing and treatment, and misleading more into thinking they are not at risk.

"We have a hard challenge ahead of us because we have to promote AIDS awareness among a huge population," said well-known Chinese actor Pu Cunxin, National AIDS Ambassador. "However, I dream that AIDS patients will soon be given the same degree of respect as other types of patient."

Chinese government has shown increasing levels of commitment to control HIV/AIDS and care for those affected by enhanced financial commitment, the "Four Frees and One Care" policy, and by issuing the Regulation on Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS, which came into effect in March 2006.

As the epidemic matures, however, HIV/AIDS is affecting China's children heavily and in many different ways. It takes the concerted efforts of us all to ensure children and young people do not fall victim to AIDS, and ensure they have a bright future.

UNICEF Global HIV/AIDS Programme 

UNICEF Voices of Youth

UNAIDS China

YOUTH and HIV

China AIDS Info

Women, Children and HIV:  Resources for Prevention and Treatment

The Body:  The Complete HIV/AIDS Resource

HIV/AIDS News:  Kaiser Network

Better Care Network:  Resources for Children that Lack Adequate Family Care