Beijing and WHO Align on Health Cooperation During Pretoria Meeting
On January 21, 2026, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa H.E. Wu Peng welcomed Ms Shenaaz El-Halabi, the World Health Organization’s Country Representative to South Africa, at a formal meeting held at the Chinese Embassy.
The courtesy call underscored deepening cooperation between China and international health bodies in supporting South Africa’s public health priorities. Discussions likely centered on ongoing health initiatives, pandemic preparedness, and potential synergies under the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, launched earlier this month to mark 70 years of China-Africa diplomatic ties.
Ambassador Wu, who assumed his post in 2024 after serving as Director-General of the MFA’s Department of African Affairs, emphasized China’s commitment to global health partnerships. Ms El-Halabi, who presented her credentials in 2025, highlighted WHO’s role in advancing equitable healthcare across the continent.
The meeting reflects strengthened China-South Africa relations amid broader multilateral health efforts.
