The center, named Home of Care and Love, aims to prevent the spread of AIDS. It is a non-profit and non-governmental organization co-sponsored by the provincial Venereal Disease and AIDS Prevention Association and the Hangzhou No. 6 People's Hospital.

Official statistics show the province has over 5,000 people infected with HIV and the population with HIV is increasing by an annual rate of 30 percent.

"HIV is our enemy, but people infected with the virus are still our friends," said a consultant with the center.

Consultants said they had received more than 10 calls for consultations by 2 pm on July 4 when the center was inaugurated. They also received numerous e-mails and some people called at the center in person.

"Most of them sound troubled and eager to get advice," a consultant said.

Consultants said the hotline was busy beyond all expectations.

One said, "Many AIDS or HIV afflicted people would neither admit they are AIDS or HIV sufferers, nor disclose their real names, nor are they brave enough to face doctors and consultants. Now they can turn to hotlines and e-mail for help without the danger of being exposed and this kind of service is well received."

Shi Daiqiang, director of the sexual health department of the No. 6 People's Hospital, said, "This kind of service for these disadvantaged people is a rarity in this country."

Shi said the center would later initiate a provincial club for people afflicted with AIDS and HIV to keep monitor their illness and raise money to provide members with free meals, treatment, lodging and transportation.

(Xinhua News Agency July 12, 2002)