About 100 children orphaned by AIDS/HIV came from 14 counties of six provinces to join in the 5th national summer camp for AIDS orphans which opened on Saturday.

The event was jointly organized by the China National Committee on Care for Children (CNCCC), the Chinese Association of STD and AIDS Prevention and Control and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

These orphans would live and play with about 200 peers and 20 compassion ambassadors of HIV/AIDS in the week-long camp. Their activities included watching Olympic Games and visiting the National Postal Museum, among others.

Han Qide, vice chairman of the the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, delivered the opening speech and expressed good wishes for the event.

"We should strive to create a conducive environment for the growth of our children," said Han, adding that the children affected by AIDS/HIV need special care from the society.

"The camp reflects our achievements in effectively protecting our children's rights," he said.

Han hoped that camp would help the public give more care for the AIDS/HIV children.

Zhang Rongming, vice chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference was also present at the opening ceremony.

China had 14,000 children who lost their parents or parent because of AIDS/HIV. About 90 percent of the AIDS orphans have received financial assistance from the government.

(Xinhua News Agency August 10, 2008)