Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with his Ugandan counterpart Apolo Nsibambi in Kampala, capital of Uganda, on June 24, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)

Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (C) talks with AIDS patients during his visit to the Infectious Disease Institute (IDI) of Mekerere University in Kampala, capital of Uganda, on June 24, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)

    KAMPALA, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has paid a high tribute to the Ugandan government for its success in bringing down the HIV/AIDS prevalence from over 20 percent to six percent in a decade.

    "AIDS has posed a global challenge to all, thus to control and conquer this devil would require concerted efforts of all. Uganda has made convincing achievements, which is widely hailed," Wen said on Saturday morning while addressing a crowd in Mulago hospital.

    Accompanied by Ugandan Prime Minister Apolo Nsibambi and Health Minister Steven Mallinga, the Chinese premier visited the Infectious Disease Institute (IDI) of Mekerere University attached to the country's biggest hospital.

    Rosa Kawesa, a widow and mother of four, told the premier she now gets Anti-viral treatment free of charge in IDI.

    "This treatment has given me a new lease of life. Now I realize that HIV infection is no longer a death sentence. I'm feeling well despite a few challenges in my body. I'm now able to work and look after my children," she said.

    "What Uganda has achieved has not benefited Uganda alone, but also add momentum to the global fight against AIDS," Wen said after a brief tour in the clinic.

    On behalf of the Chinese government, Wen handed over a 100,000 U.S. dollar cheque and some computers to IDI Director Keith McAdam.

    "I am impressed much by the attention and care that IDI has showed for the patients here. This devotion has brightened their life, refilled them with courage and faith," Wen said at the end of the visit to IDI.

    Starting from a new building in 2004, IDI currently provide care and treatment for 8,400 people, as the center of excellence for HIV/AIDS care at Mulago Teaching Hospital. Over 4,000 individuals are on life saving treatment with anti-viral medicines, obtained with the support of donors.

    "This week at IDI we are celebrating our 1,000th trainee in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. Our trainees come from 23 countries in Africa, and include doctors, nurses, clinical officers, counselors, pharmacists, laboratory technicians and all the necessary members of a multidisciplinary team to deal with this deadly epidemic," Mc Adam told the visiting guests.

    "Importantly we regard them not as the problem but as a key part to the solution. Only with them and through them can we reach all who need knowledge about HIV and AIDS, and to know how to access the help they need. Indeed, while we used to call our patients clients we now call them Mikwano gyaffe, our friends," he added.

    Globally stigma remains a major issue. Uganda has demonstrated the effectiveness of political leadership, the willingness to talk about HIV and its modes of transmission, as a way to breakdown these adverse social barriers.

    Some 25 million people living with HIV/AIDS in Africa, which is a huge burden that the medical solution by itself will not work, said the director.

    "We are therefore exploring new ways of empowering those living with the virus to help with prevention messages in the community and to encourage those on treatment to adhere to their medications for life. IDI is charting a new course for Uganda and for elsewhere in Africa," he said.

    "We would welcome an international collaboration in developing effective new urban care model, training for healthcare workers and unlocking the undoubted potential of patients, maximizing and optimizing the use of information technology in the fight against HIV/AIDS," he suggested.

    Wen started his first visit to the east African country on Friday, which aims to boost the bilateral ties. It is also the first of its kind visit by China's premier to Uganda since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1962. Enditem
 

Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L) shakes hands with Rosa Kawesa, an AIDS patient, during his visit to the Infectious Disease Institute (IDI) of Mekerere University in Kampala, capital of Uganda, on June 24, 2006.  (Xinhua Photo)

Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (3rd L) talks with an AIDS patient during his visit to the Infectious Disease Institute (IDI) of Mekerere University in Kampala, capital of Uganda, on June 24, 2006.(Xinhua Photo)

Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with an AIDS patient during his visit to the Infectious Disease Institute (IDI) of Mekerere University in Kampala, capital of Uganda, on June 24, 2006.  (Xinhua Photo)