Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong met with UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé in Beijing last Friday, ahead of the Ministerial Forum of China-Africa Health Development. During the meeting, Liu thanked UNAIDS for its support to China’s HIV response, and emphasized that addressing HIV is a key priority for the Chinese government.
Mr Sidibé commended China’s strong commitment to its HIV response, and noted the impressive results achieved to date, including the increase in the number of people receiving antiretroviral treatment and the 65% reduction of AIDS-related mortality. Mr Sidibé also stressed China’s leadership in responding to the epidemic among people who use drugs. The country is implementing the largest harm reduction programme in the world.
During the meeting, Minister Liu and Mr Sidibé also discussed the future of the cooperation between China and Africa on health. Mr Sidibé highlighted the production of medical commodities and pharmaceuticals as areas for potential collaboration.
The Chinese government attaches great importance to fighting AIDS, and has been making increasing efforts to achieve the AIDS-related Millennium Development Goals.
Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong
By sharing China’s rich expertise in health and community systems strengthening, China can bring about huge impact in Africa.
UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé
