SA, China and UNAIDS Unite to Strengthen HIV Services for Young People and High-Risk Communities
22 November 2025 Pretoria, The Project Launch initiative by the China Global Development and South-South Fund was held this week at the Chinese Embassy in Arcadia, Pretoria, marking an important step forward in strengthening global cooperation on public health and HIV prevention. The event brought together leaders from government, international organisations, diplomatic missions, and civil society to renew their commitment to expanding access to comprehensive HIV services for adolescents, young people, and people who inject drugs three groups that remain among the most vulnerable in South Africa and across the Global South.
The ceremony was formally opened by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, who delivered a keynote address highlighting the urgency of reinvigorating HIV prevention efforts. Dr Motsoaledi emphasised that while South Africa has made major progress over the decades, significant gaps remain, particularly in responding to the needs of communities that face stigma, limited access to health services, and socio-economic barriers. He welcomed the China Global Development and South-South Fund initiative as an example of how international partnerships can bring additional resources, expertise, and innovation to national efforts. According to him, the collaboration demonstrates how solidarity among developing nations can produce solutions that are both practical and sustainable.
The Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Mr Wu Peng, underscored China’s long-term commitment to supporting Africa’s public health priorities. He noted that China views health cooperation as a cornerstone of South-South collaboration and reminded attendees of China’s history of working with African countries on malaria control, pandemic response, medical training, and vaccine access. Ambassador Wu highlighted that the new project aims not only to expand prevention services but to strengthen community-based care models and improve the integration of HIV programmes into broader health systems. He said China stands ready to continue sharing its technical knowledge, building health infrastructure, and supporting frontline workers who are critical in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Also in attendance was Ms Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, who gave a passionate reflection on the global HIV response. She emphasised that ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 requires bold leadership, sustained financing, and strong partnerships. Ms Byanyima applauded both China and South Africa for demonstrating a united front in advancing social justice, protecting vulnerable communities, and ensuring that no one is left behind. She urged stakeholders to focus particularly on adolescents and young people, who continue to face high infection rates driven by gender inequality, limited information, and lack of youth-friendly health services.
Dr T. Xulu, CEO of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), stressed that programmes aimed at people who inject drugs must be grounded in human rights, harm reduction, and community participation. He highlighted the importance of using evidence-based methods such as needle-exchange programmes, opioid substitution therapy, and targeted outreach services.
Ms Annie Githuku-Shongwe, representing development partners, reinforced that the initiative comes at a critical time, as global funding for HIV prevention often faces competing demands. She commended the project for prioritising youth empowerment and community-led approaches.Overall, the launch demonstrated a shared determination to accelerate progress, close remaining gaps, and strengthen South-South cooperation for a healthier, more resilient future.
