This is China's first Red Ribbon Center. It was launched in 1998 by doctors and HIV positive patients with the initial aim of providing psychological assistance.
Doctor Cai Weiping is one of the founders. Now he is giving instruction to people living with HIV/AIDS on how to take the free medicine provided by the government.
Doctor Cai Weiping is one of the founders. Now he is giving instruction to people living with HIV/AIDS on how to take the free medicine provided by the government.
Doctor Cai is also set to carry the Olympic flame in Guangzhou and says the torch is a symbol of peace. He is also trying to publicize the plight of people with HIV/AIDS.
Cai Weiping, Director of Infectious Diseases of Guangzhou No. 8 People's Hospital said "I would like the public to be better informed about HIV/AIDS and I am working for increased tolerance of people living with the virus. HIV positive people will only be able to live without discrimination if there is no fear of them."
The hospital where Doctor Cai works specializes in the treatment of infectious diseases. In 2003, it was the first hospital in the city to receive patients affected by the SARS epidemic, which originated in Guangdong province and later spread throughout the country. The hospital is also known for its contribution to the treatment of HIV/AIDS.
Dortor Cai says he's honored to represent all the medical staff here as a torchbearer. He hopes to spread the message that HIV/AIDS does not spread easily like other infectious diseases and that it's not a deadly virus nowadays.
And Dortor Cai is also urging people to exercise regularly to maintain optimum health.
Cai Weiping said "The Olympic spirit requires us to keep fit. I feel very energetic after working out. I believe a healthy spirit and healthy body are important for everyone."
Dortor Cai goes to the gym about three times a week. He says a healthy body is a must for a doctor.
He is scheduled to run 200 meters of the torch relay and is looking forward to the opportunity of a lifetime.
Different torchbearers have different dreams and they can all offer their interpretation of the Olympic spirit as they carry the torch on its journey to Beijing.
(CCTV May 8, 2008)