Manchester United stars Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Dong Fangzhuo took time out of the club?s Far East Tour for a meeting with three children whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS and have suffered from stigma and discrimination as a result.
The meeting was organised by UNICEF, Manchester United?s global charity partner in support of Government of China?s Children and AIDS campaign which puts children at the forefront of the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Like in many parts of the world, stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and their families remain the greatest barriers to AIDS prevention and care in China. The Government campaign has made the reduction of stigma and discrimination a priority, yet although discrimination is illegal and laws are in place, public awareness remains low.
People living with HIV often lose their entitlements to health care, education and employment and become isolated by their community and family members. Afraid to reveal their status, they do not receive the treatment and financial support available to them.
UNICEF Ambassador Ryan Giggs said: ?It is tragic to hear that these children are hiding the truth about their lives because they are scared that people will discriminate against them. I hope that by being here today we can help raise awareness amongst the public and our fans in China about the real facts on AIDS ? children and families affected by HIV/AIDS have the same rights as everyone else. We would like to ask everyone to please learn the facts. Stigma and discrimination against these young people should no longer exist.?
Dr Yin Yin Nwe, UNICEF China Representative said, ?All of us can make a difference in the lives of children affected by HIV and AIDS. First, we need to listen. Listen to the reality of children?s lives and design effective responses; second, we must learn the facts about AIDS and that HIV is not transmitted through everyday contact, and finally, we must support the implementation of China?s strong anti-discrimination laws.?