China's Vice Premier Wu Yi said Monday that the country will step up its efforts to take precautions against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in order tosecure the health of all the people.

Wu made these remarks at a meeting with Richard Feachem, executive director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

China has an estimated 840,000 HIV carriers and 4.5 million people suffering from tuberculosis. Malaria was occasionally reported in the southern parts of China.

Feachem said China has made significant progress in curbing the three major communicable diseases, especially in eliminating malaria. The international community was also greatly encouraged by the Chinese government's strong commitments in fighting against HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, he said.

He expressed the satisfaction with China's implementation of the projects sponsored by the Global Fund, saying that the Global Fund is willing to improve cooperation and exchanges with China in the prevention and control of the diseases.

Established in 2002, the Global Fund has so far raised US$5.4 billion for the prevention and control of the three communicable diseases with its projects covering 128 countries around the world.

Wu thanked the Global Fund for its assistance and support to China. She said China will, as always, support the work of the Global Fund and actively participate in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

The Global Fund has signed US$270 million grant with China and the projects sponsored by the fund have covered 1,300 counties in China's 27 provinces. China has also promised to donate US$10 million to the Global Fund.  

(Xinhua News Agency December 7, 2004)