Update

Chinese leaders recommit to the AIDS response

28 February 2014

UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé recognized China’s impressive progress in the AIDS response during a two-day visit to China’s capital where he met with the First Lady of China Peng Liyuan, government officials including Vice Premier Liu Yandong (pictured here) and community representatives .

The First Lady of China Peng Liyuan underlined her ongoing commitment towards the vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. During a meeting with the UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People on the eve of the Zero Discrimination Day, the First Lady also stressed commitment to working towards a world free from discrimination.

Mr Sidibé thanked the First Lady, who is the wife of China’s President Xi Jinping and Goodwill Ambassador for HIV and Tuberculosis for the World Health Organisation, for her strong leadership on HIV and her support for people on the margins of society.

Speaking with Vice Premier Liu Yandong, at Zhongnanhai, the central headquarters of the Chinese government, Mr Sidibé highlighted China’s determination in the AIDS response and encouraged efforts to further strengthen engagement of affected communities including through expanded funding.

In addition, meetings were also held between the Executive Director and China’s Vice Minister of Health, Ms Xu Ke, Vice Minister of Civil Affairs, Mr Gu Zhaoxi, and a range of community representatives.

During his meetings, Mr Sidibé noted China’s potential for significant contribution to achievement of the global target of expanding antiretroviral treatment to 15 million people by 2015, through continuing to expand treatment domestically, and through increasing availability of quality-assured drugs and diagnostics globally. He also stressed the importance of promoting China-Africa cooperation, using China’s know-how and research capacities to produce medicines for people in developing countries.

The Executive Director’s visit enabled the introduction of the new UNAIDS Country Director for China, Dr Catherine Sozi, to key leaders and actors in China’s HIV response.

Quotes

"I fully subscribe to UNAIDS vision of the ‘three zeros’. Let us work together to make the world free from discrimination"

First Lady of China, Peng Liyuan

"The First Lady’s long-term commitment to give voice to voiceless has been remarkable and has helped transform the response to HIV in China."

Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Executive Director