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Cantopop idol Leon Lai helps raise AIDS awareness

By Fan Junmei: 0 Comments Print E-mail China.org.cn, February 1, 2010

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Cantopop star Leon Lai tells a Beijing press conference of his trip to southwest China to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS. [China.org.cn]

"Since I was appointed goodwill ambassador for UNICEF I've never had to think about the next move. Whenever the charity calls me up I'm ready to act," Hong Kong Cantopop idol Leon Lai said at a press conference in Beijing, January 29, 2010.

Lai had just finished a three day tour to take the message of safe sex and HIV/AIDS prevention to Longling, a remote county in southwest China near the border with Myanmar. The tour was part of the "Local Action for Rural Children" (LARC) project, launched by UNICEF in 2006. The project aims to reduce poverty and improve access to social services for vulnerable women and children in 20 of China's poorest counties.

The HIV/AIDS situation in Longling is serious. Infections in 2009 were up 15 percent over the previous year. UNICEF says unsafe sexual practices by young migrant workers returning home and cross-border marriages are common causes of infection.

Lai, UNICEF's first Chinese international goodwill ambassador, visited families that have infected members, learnt about living conditions in the villages, talked with infected children, and took part in activities to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS.

Cantopop star Leon Lai talks to women in Longling County in southwest China, about their living conditions. [UNICEF]

"I've been to many poor areas in China as well as many other countries such as Brazil, Rwanda, South Africa, and Tanzania. What strikes me most forcefully is that people all over the world are the same, apart from the color of their skin. People suffering from HIV/AIDS need our help. Above all they need access to information about the disease," said Lai.

"I was very happy to see young people in Longling discussing HIV/AIDS prevention so naturally. They talked about safe sex in a relaxed way that really made me hopeful," he added.

"Leon's visit helps to convey the message that HIV/AIDS in China is not someone else's problem anymore. It is everyone's concern." said David McLoughlin, UNICEF China Deputy Representative.

UNICEF has targeted its safe sex message particularly at young people who have left school or quit school early. In Longling, 60 percent of this key at-risk group has been educated on 10 key facts about HIV/AIDS. More than 9,000 residents of Longling's 18 villages have attended 83 community mobilization workshops.

UNICEF has been working with the Chinese government since 1979 to support child health and nutrition, provide clean water, sanitation and quality basic education for all boys and girls, and to protect children from violence, exploitation, and HIV/AIDS.

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