HIV campaign targets migrant workers

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-26-2008 09:05

The International Labor Organization has launched China's first campaign targeting migrant workers to help and accept their hometown fellows who are HIV positive. The key objectives are to reduce stigma and discrimination, as well as to encourage safer sexual behaviors.

China has about 200 million migrant workers. They are  increasingly vulnerable to contracting HIV.

China has about 200 million migrant workers. They are increasingly vulnerable to contracting HIV.

This campaign is part of the efforts to help prevent the virus from shifting from so-called high-risk groups to the general public.

Research by the ILO shows that rural migrant workers hold significant misperceptions about HIV transmission and prevention. Many of them engage in high-risk behaviors including commercial sex without condoms.

Negative attitudes towards people living with HIV are also pervasive. One survey shows that almost eight out of ten respondents would not want to work with a person who is HIV positive.

Sun Xinhua, official of Nat'l Committee of HIV Prevention, said, "We need to reach consensus with enterprises, employers, and the local governments. We need their support in this campaign. Different national departments must fulfill their obligations in their own sectors and also join hands to promote this nationwide effort."

The campaign aims at reducing stigma and discrimination, and encourage safer sex among mobile male migrant workers, particularly those working in construction, natural resources, and transportation sectors.

Editor:Zhang Ning