Li Yuchun rallies fans to fight against HIV/AIDS

With swarms of fans and reporters following her all the way to the remote mountains in Chongqing municipality, Li Yuchun, winner of a nation-wide singing contest Super Girl in 2005 and now one of the country's most popular figures, was using her star power to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention among young people.

In an advocacy event sponsored by UNICEF and the MAC AIDS Fund on 22 September, the 24-year-old pop icon joined youngsters who migrated from rural areas to work in massage and beauty saloons to share the facts on AIDS, under the guidance of the "Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS" Youth Ambassadors in Beibei District of Chongqing. The district reported the highest rate of HIV infection cases in Chongqing, with the youngest one aged 17.

Trimming brows, hugging, sharing meals, kissing, massage, having unprotected sex with multiple partners, will these activities lead to HIV infection? Li Yuchun and over 20 youngsters were asked to discuss in groups and categorize them into the safe zone or danger zone.

"I was initially scared to meet people with AIDS too," she said, "when I visited villages where many people were infected. Once I learned that normal contact and interaction won't get people infected, I was no longer afraid."

Together with the Youth Ambassadors, Li also drew pictures with six children orphaned by AIDS or living with infected parents. The children, who had to face stigma and discrimination in their lives, were happy to share their colorful dreams with their idol.

15-year-old boy Xiao Xing liked playing basketball, and was a big fan of the Houston Rockets. "Playing basketball makes me happy everyday and it changes my life." The boy wrote on his painting. He dreamed to be a superstar like the 'little giant' Yao Ming. 14-year-old girl Dan Dan studied English very hard and loved rollerblading. The children were excited to receive Li Yuchun's autographed pictures and cards.

Li Yuchun is the M.A.C AIDS Fund China Ambassador. M.A.C has been supporting UNICEF China's Youth Ambassadors Programme which aims to empower youth to learn the facts on AIDS, share knowledge with friends and family, and care for children affected by AIDS. With massive migration of rural adolescents who seek jobs in the cities, ensuring they do not miss the lesson on AIDS is becoming an increasing government priority in the national AIDS response.

Earlier on 9 August, Li attended UNICEF-supported "Opportunities and Dreams" Summer Camp for Children Affected by AIDS during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games to advocate their equal rights to participate in recreation and sports.