By Yang Xi

Multinational mining company Anglo American, a member of the Global Business Coalition (GBC) against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, has launched an AIDS awareness program among its Chinese employees and their families.

GBC is a worldwide organization that mobilizes businesses, their skills and assets, in the fight against the world's most deadly diseases. It believes the qualities that make its members tough commercial competitors can make them a formidable collective force in the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria—three deadly diseases that not only cause enormous human misery but in many parts of the world pose a threat to society and the economy.

Anglo American's awareness training sessions focus on popularizing basic facts about HIV/AIDS and how to prevent infection. “Education is paramount in helping people avoid the disease. That is why we launched these training sessions.“ said Tina Meng, head of Sustainable Development and Communication at the Anglo American Beijing Representative Office.

“33 million people around the world are currently infected with AIDS, and another 2.7 million are being infected every year, which means 7,500 people are infected every day,” said Dr. Bernhard Schwartlander, Country Coordinator, for UNAIDS, addressing the training session.

Dr Schwartlander stressed personal protection and eliminating discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS. “All of us are at risk in someway or other, so we all need to know how the disease is transmitted and how to protect ourselves. We should also create an environment where people living with AIDS can live normal lives.”

HIV infections among people over 50 increased in China in 2008, said Guan Baoying, President of the Beijing HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Association. She said it was particularly important that middle aged people are made aware of the risks and how to protect themselves from the disease.

Guan Baoying (right)

(China.org.cn December 6, 2008)