From left to right: Cheng Feng, President of the China Alliance for South–South Health Cooperation Research and Director of the Global Health Program, Tsinghua University Research Center for Public Health; Xu Ming, Vice-President of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export of Medicines & Health Products; Geroge Sasara, Ambassador of Botswana to China; Catherine Sozi, UNAIDS Country Director for China; Feng Yong, Deputy Director, Department of International Cooperation, National Health and Family Planning Commission
The UNAIDS Country Director for China, Catherine Sozi, has received an award for her exceptional contribution to health cooperation between China and Africa. The China Alliance for South–South Health Cooperation Research presented Ms Sozi with the special award during the 6th International Roundtable of China–Africa Health Cooperation on 22 November in Shanghai, China.
Ms Sozi has helped to strengthen China’s collaboration with Africa, especially around increasing access to medicines and health commodities. She has supported China’s efforts to scale up Africa’s pharmaceutical industry, helping to ensure that the more than 25 million people living with HIV on the continent access life-saving HIV treatment.
Africa imports 80% of its antiretroviral medicine from Asia, with many of the ingredients coming from China. The China–Africa Development Fund is supporting the local production of medicines and health commodities in Africa through joint ventures with China. Ms Sozi has advocated for an equal partnership that puts the needs of Africa at the centre of the dialogue for collaboration.
“This award is to indicate the China Alliance for South–South Health Cooperation Research’s appreciation for Catherine Sozi’s and UNAIDS’ contribution to our joint work on China–Africa health collaboration and our commitment to making this world a healthy place.”
Feng Cheng President of the China Alliance for South–South Health Cooperation Research and Director of the Global Health Programme, Tsinghua University Research Center for Public Health
“I am very honoured to accept this special award. I believe it highlights how together we are stronger. Through this key partnership, we can ensure that millions of Africans have sustained access to HIV treatment.”
Catherine Sozi UNAIDS Country Director for China
