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BEIJING: China has the world's largest population of migrant workers. It recently launched a campaign targeting the highly mobile group, with the aim of helping them steer clear of contracting HIV/AIDS.
A light-hearted video with a heavy message – Don't shun HIV-carriers – is part of the campaign that is targeting 250 million migrant workers who travel across the country in search of a better life.
Away from the support of their family, migrant workers have been identified as a high-risk group, susceptible to seeking out sex workers and drugs.
With limited education, they tend to be ignorant about AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
China, with the help of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), aims to reduce workplace discrimination of HIV patients and increase awareness of treatment and counselling services.
As a main source of labour in Southwest China, Yunnan has been selected as one of the first provinces for the pilot programme. Trained officers reach out to workers at employment centres every day, telling them to avoid engaging in high-risk behaviour such as unprotected sex.
Condoms are also given away free and the message of safe sex is delivered through quizzes.
Cao Tianrui, director for Nanba Employment Centre, said: "There were fewer people in the beginning. But their attitudes began to change with an increased awareness about HIV/AIDS."
A HIV-positive migrant worker Xiao Hu found out about his condition in 2004 when he fell ill some time after donating blood.
He said: "I felt like I was given a death sentence. I was too scared to tell anyone. But as time went by, I got used to it. I live a day at a time."
Xiao Hu agreed to appear in a video commissioned by the ILO to tell his countrymen how to stay safe, even though he was worried about how it might work against him.
"It's better to speak up and let others help you. There's no way others can help if you don't speak up," he said.
Xiao Hu added that he could only take short-term and light jobs as he gets tired easily. Though his health condition is uncertain, he is assured that his campaign efforts will save someone else from the same disease.
- CNA/so
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