[Explanation] At present, the new coronavirus continues to "rage" in many places around the world, and this new epidemic is coexisting with many long-lasting chronic infectious diseases in the world. AIDS is one of them.

Recently, Sang Ailing, the representative of UNAIDS in China, emphasized in an exclusive interview with a reporter from China News Agency that people should also pay attention to continuing efforts in fighting AIDS while responding to the challenges posed by the new crown pneumonia epidemic.

　　[Concurrent] Sang Ailing, Representative of UNAIDS in China

　　Let me give an example of sub-Saharan Africa.

In this study, we found that if anti-AIDS services are interrupted for as long as 6 months, an additional 500,000 deaths will be caused in 2020 alone.

Therefore, we have sent a very strong message: The world should pay attention to HIV and AIDS and the slow-moving epidemic that conflicts with new coronary pneumonia.

Therefore, when we devote ourselves to dealing with the important new coronary pneumonia, we should not stop investing energy and motivation in the fight against AIDS.

　　[Explanation] Sang Ailing said that from the perspective of maintaining global public health, the epidemic has also brought some enlightenment to people. For example, when a public health problem arises, the government requires the cooperation of various departments and joint mobilization. Community forces work together to serve the people.

At the same time, she also mentioned that to control infectious diseases, on the one hand, we must eliminate their stigma and discrimination, and at the same time strengthen attention to vulnerable groups.

China has stated that when the new crown vaccine is completed and put into use, it will become a global public product. She is also excited and looking forward to this.

　　[Concurrent] Sang Ailing, Representative of UNAIDS in China

　　What this epidemic tells us is that no one is safe until everyone is safe.

We are very excited that the new crown vaccine produced in China will become a global public product.

What we are talking about with regard to vaccines is to let us have a "vaccine shared by the people" so that no one and no country will be left behind.

　　[Explanation] China is an important participant in global AIDS prevention, Sang Ailing introduced.

China is the chair of the UNAIDS Project Coordination Committee in 2019 and a member of the Global AIDS Prevention Alliance.

China has also expressed support for AIDS prevention and control through multiple international platforms such as the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, the G20, and the Global Health Forum.

Sang Ailing highly affirmed China's contribution to global AIDS prevention under the framework of the United Nations.

　　[Concurrent] Sang Ailing, Representative of UNAIDS in China

　　China has played a very important leading role in the international community’s response to AIDS, not only reducing the number of new infections in the country, but also sharing experiences and lessons and providing resources for other countries in the world.

I am very happy that the government and social groups have taken such firm and concerted actions in trying to control this epidemic, and that they have made tremendous progress.

For example, blood transfusion safety is no longer an issue now.

China has also done a lot of work to ensure that HIV-positive pregnant women do not give birth to HIV-positive babies.

　　[Explanation] According to relevant reports in recent years, the rate of HIV infection among Chinese young people is increasing.

In this regard, Sang Ailing expressed concern. She pointed out that to reduce the potential risk of infection among young people, the most important thing is to promote comprehensive sex education.

　　[Concurrent] Sang Ailing, Representative of UNAIDS in China

　　We live in an informative world and we cannot control the channels through which young people obtain information.

Unless parents can stand up and abandon shyness and withdrawal, all sectors of society and the government can step up and intervene, otherwise we will not be able to prevent these young people from being infected.

When I say comprehensive sex education, I mean start as early as possible.

In terms of sex education, China has done a lot of positive projects for college students in universities and mobilized many young people at this level.

But maybe we need to start comprehensive sex education earlier, maybe we need to gradually adapt to age and development level from middle school.

The important thing is to work hard and not avoid this topic.

　　Shan Lu, Bo Wenwen, Ma Jiajia reporting from Beijing

Editor in charge: [Song Fangcan]