Beijing has taken part in the 26th worldwide Candlelight Memorial for HIV/AIDS sufferers. It's the first time the capital has held such a large scale AIDS awareness activity that's open to the public. Millions around the world are lighting a candle in memory of AIDS victims and to renew their commitment to the worldwide fight against AIDS.
Ren Guoliang found he had HIV/AIDS seven years ago. He had to quit his job to avoid being discriminated against by his colleges. Today, he wants to speak out, but still feels confidentiality needs to be protected because of enduring misconceptions about the disease.
Ren Guoliang said, "Most of the time, discrimination does not need words, but you can feel it. For example, when people know I am HIV positive, they do not want to talk with me. I feel isolated and lonely. I am afraid to speak out to others.”
The official number of HIV/AIDS patients in China is under one million. Chinese health officials say the epidemic is spreading from high risk groups, such as sex workers and drug-users, to the general population.
(CCTV May 18, 2009)
