AIDS still substantial challenge to world although campaign forges ahead

China counts on HIV confrontation

"China is right now the chair of our UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board. China has been doing a phenomenal job," said Dr. Shannon Hader, deputy executive director of UNAIDS and assistant secretary-general of the UN.

"Particularly, in addition to historically responding to overcoming infections through blood transfusions, for example, the Chinese government has recently looked deeply into its own data to really found out what is new and who needs to be reached in different ways, so that programs can be targeted into the future and that is a big bold move that I wish every country should do," said Dr. Shannon.

"We actually have an extremely strong relationship with China and really appreciate that," said Dr. Shannon.

According to Sands of the Global Fund, in addition to the indirect contribution through the Global Fund, China has also forged a very good partnership with the African Union (AU), a 55-member pan-African bloc, whereby it provides supports, including training for experts who play indispensable role in the fight against the HIV/AIDS.

"AU has a very good collaboration with China. And recently two of our members went to China and received training on HIV control," said Benjamin Djoudalbaye, AU acting head of HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria.

In September 2018, during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, public health was identified as a top priority for China-Africa health cooperation.

"China can play a leading role, as a strong model for providing quality health care domestically, and as an international leader on many global challenges," said Sands.