June 27, 2018 -- Near the end of 2017, China had almost stopped the spread of HIV through blood transfusion, hypodermic needles, and childbirth. Today, the global community is at a "defining moment" in the effort to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030, and this year marks the halfway point to the agreed global targets.

 

CGTN's Tian Wei had an interview with UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe, an advocate of the zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths vision.

 

UNAIDS has presented professor Peng Liyuan, the first lady of China, with the UNAIDS Award for Outstanding Achievement in recognition of her remarkable contribution to the global response to HIV.

Sidibe spoke highly of Professor Peng Liyuan, praising her by saying, "Professor Peng is probably like you describe, low key, but very effective,"

 

Besides this, he also said that Professor Peng is passionate, "She is working with the passion for people, passion means going to people who are completely forgotten and making sure that she can not only be there, but also influence policymaking by advocating for them."

 

What did Professor Peng also include removing stigma discrimination in the society? According to Sidibe, "Professor Peng Liyuan not just work in China, but try to work with other first ladies. I saw her with Africa's first ladies, and I saw her bringing an old friend from Africa and trying to give them space and hope."

 

A report of the United Nations Secretary-General shows that while the number of people getting treatment almost tripled from 2010 to 2017, from around eight million people to 21 million, 15.8 million people are still left out.

 

Currently, the UNAIDS works with professor Peng and some of the other key members of China's advocacy group.