China uses
cartoons for HIV education

China is turning to television cartoons to educate its 1 billion-plus residents about HIV and to help prevent AIDS-related stigma and discrimination in the country, Agence France-Presse reports. The first cartoon, a 25-minute program called Ziao Rong's Family, began airing last week. The cartoon tells the story of a girl whose father becomes infected with HIV after selling his blood and how he transmits the virus to his wife, who later has an HIV-positive baby boy. The program examines the discrimination the family faces and how government-provided treatment helps them fight the disease and stay healthy. Chinese officials plan to air several more cartoons during the next few months that focus on HIV prevention, treatment, and discrimination issues.