Brazzaville, 29 March 2013 -- WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS,  Peng  Liyuan, who is also the First Lady of the People’s  Republic  of China, today  visited the Bethania orphanage of children affected by  HIV in Brazzaville, Congo.

During the visit, the Chinese First Lady, together with the First Lady of Congo, Mrs Sassou Nguesso,   met the WHO Regional Director for Africa,  Dr Luis Sambo, the Minister of Social Affairs of Congo, and other high officials in the  course of an advocacy activity aimed at promoting social support to children affected by HIV/AIDS.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chinese First Lady recognized the good work  being done by  staff of the orphanage and thanked the Congolese authorities for the opportunity of getting more insight into the circumstances of children affected by HIV.

She also highlighted the importance of access to treatment and care towards renewed hope for people affected by HIV/AIDS. 

During the visit to the orphanage, the Chinese First Lady presented a gift to the institution as a gesture of solidarity with the orphans.

She  pledged greater commitment in her advocacy role as WHO Goodwill Ambassador to promote more effective medical and social support to People Living with HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis.

Ms Peng is visiting the Republic of Congo in the context of a State visit of his Excellency Xi Jinping, the new President of the People’s Republic of China.  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more information, please contact: 

Communication, Advocacy and Media Unit: cam [at] afro.who.int; 
Tel: +47-241-39378.