Film raises empathy and awareness for youths with virus

When two brothers long separated by time and circumstance finally reunited, they uncovered a family secret buried for years: their mother had died of AIDS.The older brother was born with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, while the younger one, born after the introduction of preventive measures, was born healthy.

The older brother, who had once been given just three years to live, defied expectations and now lives a life many believed was impossible for someone with HIV, and even attended university. He is currently supported by the AIDS Prevention Education Project for Chinese Youth, a nonprofit organization launched in 2006, through which he regularly receives free medicine.

The brothers' personal story is the core narrative of Love Youth, a film that breaks decades of silence, boldly bringing youth-oriented HIV education and sexual health awareness to the big screen, aiming to change public perception and foster a better understanding of the disease.

China reported its first case of AIDS in 1985. As of December 2025, nearly 1.4 million people are living with HIV in China, with young people accounting for a rising proportion of cases.

Premiering nationwide just ahead of this year's World AIDS Day on Dec 1, the film tells how China has been supporting young people living with HIV through national public welfare programs like APEPCY.

The theme of China's World AIDS Day this year calls for united societal efforts to prevent HIV, urging innovation in preventive measures and public awareness.