Pretoria: China has committed $3.49 million in two-year funding to support HIV prevention efforts in South Africa, state-run Xinhua News reported Thursday. The agreement, organized by UNAIDS, was announced at a ceremony at the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa's administrative capital.

According to Anadolu Agency, South Africa is home to about 8 million people living with HIV and nearly 6 million on antiretroviral treatment. The country has prioritized reducing new infections, particularly among high-risk groups such as adolescents and young adults.

UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima stated that the investment reflects China's support for multilateral cooperation and South-South partnerships. Byanyima emphasized that it demonstrates China's commitment to multilateralism and advancing South-South cooperation through sharing technology, innovation, and grant funding in pursuit of universal health coverage and the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng mentioned that the project represents concrete progress under the Global Development Initiative and contributes to building a 'global community of health for all.' Wu Peng affirmed China's firm support for South Africa as it strengthens its HIV prevention and treatment programs. He added that besides this project, China is ready to assist South Africa in establishing a sustainable HIV/AIDS response system through policy dialogue.

The two-year initiative is expected to support HIV prevention programs reaching 54,000 adolescents and young people.