By Kristen Krebs and Tawina Clarke
“If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together.” This African proverb guided representatives from Africa and China at the 4th International Roundtable on China-Africa Health Cooperation in Gaborone, Botswana.
On May 6-7, the Gaborone Roundtable, which was held for the first time in Africa, was co-hosted by the Botswana Ministry of Health, China’s Institute for Global Health at Peking University and the China Ministry of Commerce. Chinese and African health ministry officials, academics, members of the private sector and representatives from international organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and Global Fund were brought together to discuss health issues, including HIV/AIDS, malaria, maternal health and an important neglected tropical disease (NTD), schistosomiasis.
China and Africa have a history of working together on health issues, but also share a history of high NTD prevalence. Currently, schistosomiasis affects more than 200 million people worldwide, and it is estimated that at least 90 percent of those affected live in Africa. In the past, China also suffered greatly from schistosomiasis, with approximately 11.6 million people infected and more than 100 million people at risk in the 1950s. Since that time, China has successfully reduced the prevalence of schistosomiasis by more than 90 percent. The country has also eliminated lymphatic filariasis and greatly reduced other intestinal helminth infections.
China’s past success with their NTDs and health developments set a great example for initiatives to overcome the health challenges Africa faces. The Roundtable discussed ways in which China and Africa can form new mutually beneficial partnerships. China is committed to share its advanced research and development and health technologies that are safe and cost effective with Africa. In return, China can also learn from Africa – for example Africa’s advancement in AIDS treatment expansion.
The Roundtable concluded with eight major outcomes and conclusions to strengthen China-Africa health cooperation. These outcomes and the dialogue from the Roundtable will play an important role at the Health Ministerial Meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation that will be held in August.