More than 200 villagers in the Chinese province of Sichuan put their names on a petition that’s circulating to banish an HIV-positive boy, age 8, from the community.
Even the boy’s own grandfather added his name to the list, CNN reported, citing a story from People’s Daily that included a photograph of the boy watching the village vote.
“Kunkun is diagnosed with AIDS, causing great fear among the villagers and village children,” the petition states, CNN reported. “In order to ensure the safety of villagers and children, we demand that authorities quarantine Kunkun for treatment.”
Kunkun is not his real name; it’s a pseudonym to protect his privacy, CNN said. But since 2011, when he was first diagnosed with HIV, he’s been ostracized by the community and expelled from school.
“He’s a ticking time bomb,” said He Jialing, one of the villagers. “My daughter is around his age and goes to a boarding school now. What happens if she gets bitten while playing with him here at home? That boy is too dangerous.”
The People’s Daily reported the boy contracted HIV from his mother while in her womb. The local government said that the petition is under consideration, CNN reported.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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