Silver Spring, Maryland--The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is raising HIV and AIDS awareness among migrant workers and other vulnerable groups with a successful street theater project in Chifeng City, in eastern Inner Mongolia.

The first AIDS cases were reported in Beijing, China, in 1985.
According to a 2006 report published by the Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China, there are 650,000 people living with HIV in China, including 75,000 living with AIDS.

"Many migrant workers have little or no knowledge about basic health care or sex education," said Suki Lau, public relations officer for ADRA's China office. "They have no medical care, and act as potential carriers for a number of infectious diseases," she continued. "Education is the best way to prevent HIV and AIDS . . . the theater presentations increase the workers'
awareness and inform them of how to avoid the risks associated with HIV and AIDS."

Through drama and music, the street theater performances educate migrant workers and other at-risk groups about the dangers of HIV and AIDS and other infectious diseases. Audience members also receive informational materials on HIV and AIDS.

Performances are held in several locations around Chifeng City. The theater project, which runs through December 2006, held the first performance this past March. A group of trained volunteers interviewed
275 audience members before and after the show. The volunteers reported a substantial increase among the attendees--56 percent--in awareness and knowledge of HIV and AIDS and how to protect themselves and others from the disease.

More than 1,100 migrant workers, taxi drivers, construction contractors, self-employed businessmen, and others have attended the performances to date.

The ten-month street theater project is valued at $25,000.

The ADRA office in China has been working in the People's Republic of China since 1998 addressing poverty alleviation and environmental problems through the development of safe, healthy sustainable, and energy-efficient construction practices in northeast China.

ADRA China's projects work to increase ecological sustainability; to increase access to basic education for children and adult non-formal training in practical skills and income generation; and to increase economic diversification and income earning opportunities.

ADRA is present in 125 countries, providing community development and emergency management without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, or ethnicity.

Additional information about ADRA can be found at www.adra.org.