President Hu tells HIV carriers, communities not to be daunted by disease

Hu stressed the policy of "four frees, one care", which was adopted in 2003 and pledged free HIV testing, free counseling and free anti-retroviral treatment for infected people in underdeveloped areas and free treatment for all pregnant women, as well as care for children orphaned by AIDS, should "effectively cover" people in need.

In a nearby community which is a pilot of the city's first AIDS prevention and control program, Hu met AIDS experts and volunteers, all having red ribbons pinned on their clothes, on Friday morning at a local campaign to educate people to prevent AIDS.

Hu was moved by enthusiastic volunteers, including a group of student volunteers who he said had "selflessly" devoted themselves to the cause.

"HIV carriers could be spiritually motivated through your significant work," he said, adding he hoped more "kindhearted" people would join them to create "a sound social environment" for AIDS control.

Representatives of international organizations, such as Khalid Malik, UN Resident Coordinator, and Subinay Nandy, UNDP China Country Director, also joined local people at the event.

The president gave his heartfelt welcome to them and extended gratitude to "their help on China's AIDS prevention and control".

"AIDS prevention and control is an international topic. The Chinese government has paid special attention to the issue, always provided the greatest care to HIV carriers and patients and has earnestly fulfilled promises to curb the spread of the illness," said Hu.

Before chanting the "Song of Red Ribbon" with local residents, Hu pledged to enhance cooperation and exchanges with international communities, saying, "The mankind will definitely conquer AIDS."

But Bernhard Schwartlander, UNAIDS Country Coordinator, later told reporters that China needs to take the response to HIV to provincial, county and community levels and "translate policies into action".