Clinton Signs Agreement With China to Provide AIDS Drugs to Children

On Monday in Beijing, former U.S. President Bill Clinton signed an agreement with China to provide a year's supply of AIDS medicines to 200 pediatric patients. The agreement is part of a three-year, $10 million deal struck last year between the Clinton Foundation -- the Little Rock, Ark.-based nonprofit that works to help needy governments fight HIV/AIDS -- and the Health Ministry of China.

"We have a real chance to keep this epidemic from spiraling out of control," Clinton said during the signing ceremony. China's government estimates 840,000 people in the country are HIV-infected. UNAIDS said that number could rise to 10 million by 2010 if urgent action is not taken.

At the signing, held at the Health Ministry, Clinton praised China's response in tackling the epidemic. "I hope China's actions will encourage other countries [also burdened by HIV/AIDS epidemics] to do as much," said Clinton. Clinton then shook hands with Gao Qiang, China's executive deputy health minister, and other health officials.

China has recently become more open about its AIDS epidemic after years of denial, promising to provide free HIV testing and counseling and free antiretroviral treatment for the poor.

Since leaving office, Clinton has brokered deals with several pharmaceutical companies to provide discounted AIDS medicines to developing countries and has sent policy experts to assist countries in combating HIV/AIDS. He has also channeled millions of dollars in private donations and government contributions to countries where AIDS is rampant.

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