AIDS patients get help in Anhui(2)

"I live with them in the village, and I know they became infected because their poverty led them to sell blood instead of turning to drugs or prostitution. They shouldn't have to live in shame."

To ease the concerns of the villagers, he invited his patients to dinner to prove common physical contact would not transmit the disease.

The county government has made great efforts to prevent HIV and provide treatment and education through various channels, including television and radio. More than 500,000 pamphlets had been distributed to residents by the end of last year, authorities said.

HIV and AIDS patients are entitled to free anti-viral treatments and basic living allowances. Their children can receive free compulsory education.

The mortality rate of AIDS patients has been reduced to around 3 percent, from as high as 25 percent in 2002, the county's CDC said.

"As a village doctor, it's my duty to do my best to treat patients, including those with HIV," he said. "The government policies have also made my work much easier."

Due to Zhang's efforts, most of the first HIV and AIDS patients to be diagnosed have survived, including some who have lived with the virus for 20 years, he said.

Attitudes toward HIV and AIDS have also changed. "Most villagers don't fear patients and don't avoid them any more," the doctor said. "Patients are gradually being accepted."

Zhang said he plans to retire in a few years and has decided to send his son for training so he can take over his work.

"Doctors like Zhang are essential," said Lu Hongzhou, a public health expert at Fudan University's Huashan Hospital in Shanghai.

"A major obstacle to AIDS prevention and treatment at the grassroots level is a lack of qualified doctors, and we hope through our training programs they can better serve the people."

Lu will train Zhang's son for two months this year. The young man graduated from a medical school in 2008.

"I'm greatly relieved to see my son will receive good training and continue my job," Zhang said. "I hope all AIDS patients can receive proper treatment and can live like other patients, without facing discrimination."