BEIJING, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping and also the World Health Organization (WHO) goodwill ambassador for tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS, on Wednesday called for international support and participation in global TB prevention and treatment.

In a written statement to a virtual event commemorating the WHO World TB Day 2026, Peng said that it is of great significance that the WHO is hosting this virtual event to hold discussions under the theme "Led by countries, powered by people," as it will facilitate joint actions among the international community against TB as a public health challenge.

Peng said that with a firm commitment to the mission of protecting people's health and the goal of ending the TB epidemic, the WHO has done a great deal of effective work, and reversed the recent upward trend in global TB cases.

Always placing great importance on preventing and treating TB, the Chinese government has coordinated government departments to implement response measures, and facilitated rapid technical and operational progress through scientific and technological innovation, enabling new advances in China's TB response, Peng said.

Peng pointed out that China's healthcare network, covering 1.4 billion-plus urban and rural residents, has effectively improved access to TB prevention and treatment services, contributing to a sustained decline in TB incidence, and positioning China as a country with moderate to low TB prevalence.

Peng said this year marks the 15th year of China's large-scale volunteer campaign to raise awareness for TB prevention and control. Over the past 15 years, more than 1 million volunteers have participated in this campaign, carrying out over 80,000 programs, she added.

"I have been joining many of them on visits to local neighborhoods, schools and healthcare facilities, and I am a proud witness of their compassion, commitment and contribution, as well as the progress in China's fight against TB," Peng said.

Peng called on people from all walks of life in all countries to act, to support and to participate in global efforts against TB.

"Let us share with each other warmth and care, and build together confidence and hope. Let us work for progress in TB response to the benefit of all humanity, and join hands to build a community of health for all," she said. ■