Company Announcement - African First Ladies, along with Peng Liyuan,  First Lady of China, gathered today on the sidelines of the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation Heads of State Summit to pledge their support for an AIDS-free generation.The Organization for African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS, hosted by Tobeka Madiba Zuma, First Lady of South Africa, met to solidify a partnership between Africa and China to conduct high-level advocacy on HIV, especially in relation to no new babies born with HIV.

“We need to take advantage of our privileged positions as First Ladies to advocate with our people and especially our youth, to ensure everyone takes responsibility for their health and has access to adequate services,” said Madame Zuma. Madame Liyuan related four key issues critical to ending AIDS by 2030: universal access to HIV treatment; public information and education; educational opportunities for adolescents; and economic development to eliminate poverty. Professor Peng reiterated China’s support to address HIV in Africa, especially maternal and child health. “As long as the international community works together we will be able to realise an AIDS-free world,” she added.

The First Ladies of Africa and China will join forces to achieve an AIDS-free generation by sharing information, helping each other to build expertise, and mobilizing resources for joint advocacy to support women and children living with and affected by HIV.

“In order to ensure an HIV free generation across Africa, we must not forget the structural and societal issues that place our adolescent girls at risk of acquiring HIV,” added Madame Zuma. “Poverty, gender inequality, gender based violence, child marriage – all of these issues hinder our youth from benefiting from the education and care that is required to ensure they reach their full potential.”

Contact: Natalie Ridgard, nridgard@gmail.com; +27 83 642 6759, execpa@tmzfoundation.co.za or Skhumbuzo Cele, skhumbuzo@presidency.gov.za

The Tobeka Madiba Zuma Foundation, founded in 2009, is an advocate for prevention, treatment and care of non-communicable diseases, a #cancersmart South Africa, and HIV prevention, treatment and care. For more information follow TMZ Foundation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.