Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng held a productive meeting with Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi on Monday, October 12, to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the health sector.
The discussions, held at the Department of Health offices in Pretoria, focused on implementing a Memorandum of Understanding on health and medical sciences signed in May 2026.
The two sides exchanged views on practical collaboration in public health, infectious disease prevention and control, and medical research.
Ambassador Wu emphasised China’s readiness to work closely with South Africa. “China stands ready to work with South Africa to deepen practical cooperation in public health, infectious disease prevention and control, and medical research. Together, we can better protect the health of our peoples and contribute to regional and global public health,” he said following the meeting.
Priority areas under discussion include medical science research, capacity building, traditional medicine, cancer treatment, nuclear medicine, and enhanced responses to infectious diseases.
The talks took place against the backdrop of an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, underscoring the need for stronger disease surveillance, timely diagnosis, clinical management, and cross-border coordination.
The meeting builds on wider China–Southern African Development Community efforts to boost pharmaceutical manufacturing, technology transfer, and health security across the region. These initiatives aim to reduce reliance on imported medicines and strengthen local production capacity.
Officials from both sides expressed commitment to translating the existing agreement into concrete projects that benefit citizens of both countries and support broader African public health goals.
The engagement reflects the growing strategic partnership between China and South Africa in science, technology, and health, particularly in light of lessons learned from past global health challenges.
Further details on specific joint programmes are expected to be announced as implementation plans progress.
