June 17, 2008

Chinese Olympics Volunteers Trained in HIV and Stigma

Thousands of volunteers for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing have been trained in HIV/AIDS prevention, as well as in avoiding HIV-related discriminatory behaviors, the Xinhua News agency reports (news.xinhuanet.com, 6/16).

The United Nations-sponsored educational program prepares volunteers to welcome people—including those with HIV—to Beijing for the Games and to share prevention information.

"Engaging some of China’s most capable young people and making them the messengers of positive and correct knowledge on HIV can help dispel inaccurate myths and break down the stigma and discrimination against people affected by HIV,” said Bernhard Schwartlander, UNAIDS country coordinator in China.

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