Translated with AI
Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping and World Health Organization (WHO) Goodwill Ambassador for Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Prevention, called on the international community on Wednesday to support and participate in global tuberculosis prevention and treatment.
In her written address to the WHO World Tuberculosis Day 2026 virtual event, Peng Liyuan emphasized the crucial importance of holding the event under the theme "Country-led, People-powered." She stated that this will help unite the international community's efforts to combat tuberculosis as a public health challenge.
As the WHO Goodwill Ambassador pointed out, guided by a strong commitment to the mission of protecting public health and the goal of ending the tuberculosis epidemic, the organization has done a great and effective job, managing to reverse the recent upward trend in the number of cases of the disease worldwide.
The Chinese government has always placed great importance on tuberculosis prevention and treatment, she continued, adding that the country has established coordination among various government agencies to implement response measures, as well as ensured the rapid implementation of technical and organizational innovations thanks to scientific and technological progress. All of this has enabled new achievements in the fight against tuberculosis in China, Peng Liyuan stated.
Peng Liyuan noted that China's healthcare system, which covers over 1.4 billion urban and rural residents, has effectively increased access to tuberculosis prevention and treatment services. This has contributed to a steady decline in the incidence of tuberculosis, placing China among countries with moderate to low tuberculosis prevalence.
She recalled that this year marks the 15th anniversary of the launch of China's nationwide volunteer campaign to raise awareness about tuberculosis prevention and control. Over the years, more than 1 million volunteers have participated, implementing over 80,000 programs.
"I have visited local communities, schools and health facilities with many of them, and I am proud of their compassion, dedication and contribution, as well as the progress made in China's fight against tuberculosis," Peng Liyuan said.
In her address, Peng Liyuan called on people from all walks of life in all countries to take action, support and participate in the global effort against tuberculosis.
"Let's share warmth and care with each other, and build confidence and hope together. Let's work for progress in the fight against tuberculosis for the benefit of all humanity and join forces to build a community of health for all," she concluded.
