In northeastern China, diocese works to eliminate stigma of AIDS

Published: 2007-04-05

SHENYANG, China (CNS) -- For World AIDS Day, the nuns leafleted the train stations in Liaoning province, and members of parish youth groups handed out information at parishes. But while many agencies offer AIDS awareness programs for World AIDS Day each Dec. 1, the Diocese of Liaoning offers such programs year-round, said Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Fabian Han Fungxia, head of the HIV/AIDS program at the diocesan Catholic Social Service Center. The Shenyang-based diocese offers HIV/AIDS workshops in rural areas during the winter months, when farmers do not have to be in the fields and have more time to attend. During the 2005-2006 school year, the diocese focused on AIDS awareness in parishes; this school year it is focusing on schools, especially technical schools. Sister Fabian said this hits high-risk groups of teens and young adults. "We found that the young people are very eager to learn" about HIV/AIDS, although at first they are embarrassed to talk about it, she said.

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