First ladies join hands in fight against AIDS

China's First Lady Peng Liyuan and her Malawian counterpart Gertrude Mutharika, both known for their devotion to charity, agreed on Tuesday to work together to fight against AIDS in Africa.

China and African countries have made progress in fighting against AIDS with their joint efforts, and China would like to share experiences with African countries including Malawi, Peng told the visiting Mutharika, who is also vice-president of the Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV and AIDS (OAFLA).

China will enhance communications with regional organizations including the OAFLA to provide help for the fight against AIDS and the health of African countries, Peng said.

Peng's engagement in anti-AIDS efforts dates back 10 years, when she helped children affected by HIV/AIDS and promoted prevention messages. She is also the World Health Organization's goodwill ambassador for tuberculosis and HIV.

Mutharika expressed gratitude for China's help and contribution to the health of African women and children, and the anti-AIDS battle.

China has played a positive role for the development of Malawi, and the two countries have enhanced cooperation in areas including infrastructure, economics, trade and capacity building, she said.

On Monday, Mutharika attended an event at Beijing University's Affiliated High School, during which she told the students about the impact the AIDS epidemic has had on African women and children.

"OAFLA's vision is of 'An Africa free from HIV and AIDS, maternal and child mortality, where women and children are empowered to enjoy equal opportunities,'" she said at the event, adding that she looked forward to more engagement with Chinese teenagers to the public welfare of Africa.

anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn