Shanghai Daily news

Vice Mayor Yang Xiaodu(right) and Lu Liang(second from right), a local actor working as an anti-AIDS ambassador, console HIV carriers in an AIDS Caring Room in Minhang District yesterday.

Every district in the city will build an AIDS Caring Room to provide mental consultation and medical directions to those with HIV and AIDS, local health officials said yesterday during a trip to the city's only such room to mark World AIDS Day.
The room, established on December 1 last year, is located in the Minhang District Disease Prevention and Control Center on Xindong Road. The center set up the room to provide AIDS education to those suspected of catching the virus while protecting their privacy.
Shanghai has reported 213 people infected with HIV so far this year, increasing by 25.3 percent from last year. Currently, there are 1,124 HIV carriers and AIDS patients in the city.
"The AIDS Caring Room in Minhang is a good example to offer professional mental and medical guidance and should be promoted to more districts next year," said Vice Mayor Yang Xiaodu, who visited the room yesterday and talked with four HIV carriers, three male and one female.
"We pay special attention to protect their privacy, as the society and most residents still hold strong prejudices against those with HIV and AIDS. Some patients have committed suicide after their identity was exposed," said Ni Zheng, vice director of the Minhang District center.
She said the room has offered consultations to 88 people, including some 10 regular visitors.
"Many people came here after having high-risk behavior like unprotected sex with prostitutes. We provide education before and after blood checks. Whenever someone is diagnosed with HIV, we keep contact with them and provide medical direction," she said. "We serve as shrinks, friends and doctors to release their pressure and provide help in the room."
Doctors also tell those with the virus what kind of measures must be taken to protect others.