Many HIV/AIDS patients, once in society's closet, are coming out, building new lives and becoming activists.
They are trying to overcome fear and discrimination, lead reasonably normal lives and educate the public about the limits of HIV transmission.
The emergence of AIDS activism coincides with China's increasing candor about the growing problem and its strengthened public health and anti-AIDS education.
One success story is Wu Dianbao, 30, a farmer living in Daye, 90 kilometers southeast of Wuhan, Hubei Province.
He is not alone; he lives in one of 127 model zones nationwide where patients contracted the disease through unsafe and illegal blood donations and rampant intravenous drug use.
Like many others, Wu was infected with the deadly virus while selling blood in 1995. He developed AIDS symptoms in 2001.
He began to improve in 2003 when doctors visited his home.
"They treat me like their family member. They also test my wife's and daughter's blood and fortunately they are free of infection," said Wu.
Wu has other worries. Since he fell ill and everyone knew about it, his family had lost virtually all income and fell into debt.
Government subsidies were inadequate.
"I say to myself: I have to find ways out," said Wu. "The government has spent so much on my disease. I can't rely on the government all my life but must raise my family by myself."
Wu has started growing watermelons.
"At first, no one dared to buy my melons, but later a college professor and an official came publicly to buy them. Then others followed." Modest income was generated.
Wu has acquired renown for his melons, especially among people concerned about AIDS.
Now Wu's family is raising pigs. Health and civil affairs officials helped buy pigs, build a sty and provide feed.
Now his family have 30 pigs, and they paid off all their debts.
"My wife can buy new clothes, and my daughter gets a new school bag. I regain confidence of being a good husband and father," Wu said.
His self-rescue story is widely told in his hometown. He is now head of the "Production and Self-rescue Association of AIDS Patients in Daye," which was set up in March.
In the 12-member association, AIDS patients find a home - they help one another in livelihood, resisting drugs and making a new life.
Wu said among 12 known AIDS families, five raise pigs, two grow watermelons and crops, two feed fish, another two are in transport business and the other is a construction worker.
(Xinhua)