China's Ministry of Health has vowed to raise AIDS awareness in at least 60 percent of migrant workers.

The ministry will organize publicity events in construction sites, service sectors, railway stations and bus stations. It will inform them of the free treatment policy and encourage them to take HIV tests and receive treatment.

According to a survey released by the research center of the State Council, China has about 120 million migrant workers.

Because migrant workers are a floating population, it makes it difficult for the health institutions to provide health education to migrant workers, monitor and give follow-up checkups after treatment, the ministry said.

The ministry plans to research the status of AIDS prevention among migrant workers in coastal cities and capitals of central provinces and organize experts to work out detailed measures to strengthen AIDS awareness among migrant workers.

China has approximately 650,000 HIV infected people including around 75,000 AIDS patients, according to recent official estimates.

The HIV/AIDS prevention regulation says that governments at all levels should place adverts on AIDS prevention in conspicuous areas of public venues.

(Xinhua News Agency May 17, 2006)