China strives for 'Zero AIDS' era

Chinese President Xi Jinping's wife Peng Liyuan, who is also the World Health Organization (WHO)'s goodwill ambassador for tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, said she would join the nation's battle against HIV/AIDS, striving for a "zero AIDS" China.

She made the remarks in a letter of congratulations to the Chinese Association of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS Prevention and Control for the non-governmental organization's fifth national conference held in Beijing Friday.

Qi Xiaoqiu, the newly elected chairman of the association said they would play a bigger role in the nation's fight against HIV/AIDS particularly in soliciting more involvement by civil societies committed to the course as well.

On Tuesday, the State Council endorsed the establishment of the nation's first ever anti-AIDS foundation and the central government has invested 50 million yuan initially. The money will go exclusively to non-governmental organizations supporting their efforts combating the epidemic.

To date, China has about 800,000 people living with HIV/AIDS and diagnosed patients have access to free treatment, according to the National Health and Family Planning Commission's research.