Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping and also the World Health Organization's goodwill ambassador for tuberculosis, or TB, and HIV/AIDS, has called for broad support and participation from the whole society to contribute to TB prevention and treatment endeavors.

Peng made the remarks when she attended a promotional event on TB prevention and treatment recently at Capital Medical University in Beijing. Tuesday marked the 31st World Tuberculosis Day.

Peng visited an exhibition on TB prevention and treatment in New China and participated in a workshop on new technology-enabled TB control. She encouraged participants to actively learn about and promote knowledge of TB prevention and treatment, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches and exploration of new technologies and methods to strengthen efforts against the disease.

Peng also took part in exchanges with TB prevention and treatment experts, volunteers, national ambassadors for TB prevention and treatment, and university students. She acknowledged the selfless dedication of medical workers and volunteers, and encouraged medical students to master their professional knowledge and use their compassionate hearts to protect public health.

The Chinese government has always placed great importance on preventing and treating TB. Its healthcare network, covering over 1.4 billion urban and rural residents, has effectively improved access to TB prevention and treatment services, contributing to a sustained decline in TB incidence.

This year is the 15th year of China's large-scale volunteer campaign to raise awareness of TB prevention and control. Over the past 15 years, more than one million volunteers have participated in the campaign, carrying out over 80,000 programs.

caodesheng@chinadaily.com.cn