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The Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, today (November 30) appealed to the community to work together to fight AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

Speaking on the eve of World AIDS Day, Dr Chow said with economic globalisation and high population mobility, prevention of AIDS was more important than treatment.

"In Hong Kong, sexual contact is the most common route of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) transmission.

"We may learn from news reports that some sex workers, who are not aware that they have already acquired HIV, may continue to spread the disease to others," he said.

Dr Chow called on members of the community to accept and show care for AIDS patients and their families so that they would not feel discriminated against and abandoned, thus encouraging them to fight their long-term battle against the disease.

"I would like to take this opportunity to urge those who often make overseas trips for business, travel or leisure, especially teenagers, not to underestimate the threat posed by AIDS.

"We have to stay alert and adopt preventive measures. Dangerous sex will risk your life," he added.

Ends/Tuesday, November 30, 2004

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