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    Basketball superstars Magic Johnson and Yao Ming will appear from tomorrow (April 9), in a new government promotional short film to call for public acceptance of HIV and AIDS carriers.

    A spokesman of the Department of Health (DH) said the Announcement in Public Interest (API) was a local version of a promotional film on AIDS care produced by China AIDS Media Project and National Basketball Association (NBA) in 2004.

    The original film, which has been broadcast on Mainland TV channels, was well received by local audiences.

    In the 30-second API, Magic Johnson, a retired basketball superstar who has been living with HIV since 1991, appeals to the public that HIV was not transmitted through daily social contact including hugging, shaking hands or eating together.  

    "It is the second API in the two decades of the HIV epidemic in Hong Kong featuring an AIDS infected person," the spokesman said.

    "Another basketball superstar Yao Ming also makes an appeal - No fear! No discrimination! Show your care to people living with HIV/AIDS! - in the footage," he said.

    The API will also be uploaded to the AIDS website (www.aids.gov.hk) tomorrow.

    The spokesman said people infected with HIV could lead a normal life as the disease could now be controlled by effective cocktail treatment.

    "This can, however, only be realised with the unfailing support from their relatives and friends, and the acceptance by the public at large."

    A premiere of the API, jointly launched by the DH and Committee on Promoting Acceptance of People Living with HIV/AIDS, will be held during the Hong Kong Silver Shield Basketball Tournament 2005 at MacPherson Playground, Mong Kok tomorrow at 4pm.

    More information on HIV/AIDS can be obtained by calling the AIDS Hotline at 2780 2211 or visiting the website http://27802211.com.

Ends/Friday, April 8, 2005

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