AIDS-hit village receives support

Lixin, in East China's Anhui province, is not only a state-designated poor county, but also an area that has been battling HIV/AIDS.

Since the first case was reported in Lixin in 1995, there have been 1,249 people living with HIV/AIDS, as of November 2011, an increase of 28 from 2010. The death toll is 244, with 14 deaths this year. Photos from Lixin's Zhangbanqiao village and Liuran village show how life goes on under the government's support.

Zhang Xueying, who is not infected with HIV, shows cards that help her receive government funds and help in Liuran village, Lixin county, Anhui, Nov 27, 2011. Zhang's husband died from AIDS in 2004. [Photo/Asianewsphoto]

Hou Huaigui, an AIDS patient, prepares to drive his car in Zhangbanqiao village, Lixin county, Anhui, Nov 26, 2011. [Photo/Asianewsphoto]