Peng Liyuan calls for global action against tuberculosis

Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping and also the World Health Organization (WHO) Goodwill Ambassador for Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS, on Wednesday called for global support and participation in the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis.

In a written statement sent to the virtual event to commemorate WHO World TB Day 2026, Peng said it is of great significance that WHO is holding this virtual event under the theme „Led by Countries, Supported by People“ as it will enable coordinated action by the international community against TB as a public health problem.

Peng said that with a firm commitment to protecting people's health and the goal of ending the tuberculosis epidemic, WHO has done a lot of effective work and has been able to reverse the recent upward trend of tuberculosis cases in the world.

The Chinese government has always placed great emphasis on the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis. It has coordinated government institutions in implementing measures and enabled rapid technical and operational progress through scientific and technological innovation, which has enabled new achievements in China's tuberculosis response, Peng said.

She stressed that China's health network, covering more than 1.4 billion urban and rural residents, has effectively improved access to TB prevention and treatment services, which has contributed to a steady decline in TB incidence and has placed China among countries with medium to low TB incidence.

Peng added that this year marks the 15th anniversary of China's large-scale volunteer campaign to raise awareness about TB prevention and control. Over the past 15 years, more than one million volunteers have been involved in the campaign, conducting more than 80,000 programs.

„I have had the opportunity to participate with many of them in visits to local communities, schools and health facilities, and I am proud to witness their compassion, commitment and contributions, as well as the progress in China's fight against tuberculosis,“ Peng said.

Peng called on people from all walks of life in all countries to act, support and participate in global action against TB.

„Let us share warmth and care, and build trust and hope together. Let us work to advance the fight against tuberculosis for the benefit of all humanity and join hands to create a community of health for all,“ Peng added.

CMG