Jackie Chan, Chinese action film star, appealed all organizations and individuals, especially press circles, to more actively combat stigma and discrimination against people having HIV/AIDS.

"I need your help to keep on spreading a message: say no to discrimination and care for people infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS, especially children," Chan said at a press conference in Hanoi before concluding his visit to Vietnam on Monday as a goodwill ambassador of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

During his four-day stay in northern Quang Ninh province and Hanoi city, he heard firsthand "sad and long stories" about local people having HIV/AIDS such as the death of the whole family within one year, Jackie Chan said, noting that such people, especially children, need greater care and support of the community so that they can learn how to take care of their relatives, protect themselves from the disease, and continue to make contribution to the society.

"I'm, perhaps, a hero on screen. But, real heroes are people I've met in Vietnam. They're grandparents, mothers, wives, youths and children who show their courage by struggling and living with HIV/AIDS. They are people that need more assistance," Chan stressed.

The 51-year-old actor and director, who rose to international stardom from humble origins in Hong Kong, has taken a leading role in 95 films, mostly hyper-kinetic action ones which combine skillful martial arts and slapstick comedy such as Rumble in the Bronx, The Medallion, Jackie Chan's First Strike, Police Story and Rush Hour.

Chan has won many international awards honoring his talents in acting, choreography and film-making. He has also earned many prestigious awards and accolades for his charity, humanitarian and public service work.  

Apprenticed to an opera troupe in China's Beijing city at the age of six, he was trained in all aspects of traditional Chinese opera, including acting, singing and martial arts.

(Xinhua News Agency April 25, 2005)