( CNN ) -- There is an old African proverb : `` If you want to walk fast , walk alone . But if you want to walk far , walk together . '' That was the guiding principle behind the International Roundtable on China-Africa Health Cooperation this week in Gaborone , the capital of Botswana . This is the fourth such annual conference -- and the first to be held on African soil . The roundtable brought together Chinese and African health ministry officials , academics , members of the private sector , and representatives of such international organizations as the World Health Organization , Global Fund , Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation , GAVI Alliance and United Nations entities . Over two days , we tackled such topics as malaria , AIDS , reproductive health , and schistosomiasis â€ ” health issues that China has largely brought under control but remain major health challenges in Africa . China and the countries of Africa have much to unite them . We fought to free ourselves from colonialism ; we view health as a key building block for economic development ; and we are learning to build upon traditional economic development models that have allowed our societies to make progress . Sharing these values and history , we are pioneering a new South-to-South model based on mutual interests and respect . To be sure , there is a long history of China and Africa collaboration on health . In the 1960s , China began sending medical teams to the continent . More recently , China has built hospitals and medical centers in many African countries . China has also provided medical training to African health professionals and is building capacity in other ways , such as providing scholarships to train health experts . Going forward , we all foresee a stronger collaboration . Many African countries could benefit from low-cost , high-quality Chinese-made health products . China has made enormous strides in the manufacture of drugs , vaccines and other health products . It is the world 's largest producer of the active ingredients for malaria treatments and antiretroviral drugs against HIV/AIDS . China also makes implantable contraceptive devices that provide women with birth control for several years . China also makes simple and inexpensive rings allowing men to be circumcised , which can greatly reduce the risk of contracting HIV , without undergoing surgery . China can also provide refrigeration equipment and logistical support for the `` cold chains '' needed to safely deliver many vaccines to remote communities . All these have great relevance to Africa . But collaboration is a two-way street . Participants at the meeting shared lessons learned in delivering health services to their people . Many countries , including Botswana and Zambia , have made enormous gains in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV , even in rural areas . China can learn much from this progress as it provides services to its remote communities . The relationship between China and Africa has of course been long and complex , and not without misunderstandings . Chinese investment in Africa has gained global attention because of its scale . Chinese-built roads , buildings , dams , airports , hospitals and railways are visible across the continent . So , too , are the tensions that have on occasion emerged due to different styles of management and communication . This is why these face-to-face meetings are so valuable . They pave the way for our long walk together . We are also grateful so many international organizations are joining us for this journey . They bring a wealth of experience working in both Africa and China and can help bridge many technical gaps that South-to-South collaboration can not address . The results of this partnership will be sustainable , African-owned solutions to many of the continent 's greatest health challenges . Of course , we still have far to walk before all people with AIDS , malaria and TB receive the treatments and dignity they deserve ; before all children are immunized ; before all women have access to safe and effective contraception ; and before neglected tropical diseases are eradicated forever . But , I am encouraged that we are walking together , and in the right direction . It 's only fair , since I opened with an African proverb , to close with a Chinese saying : `` Numerous grains of earth make a mountain ; numerous drops of water form an ocean . '' As long as we keep advancing China-Africa cooperation , we will build those mountains , fill those oceans and provide all of our people with the sustainable health solutions they deserve .
TB China-Africa Health Cooperation held in Botswana . China and Chinese countries have a lot of common history , health and economic challenges . Long history of Botswana and South collaborating on health initiatives . Africa could benefit from low-cost , high-quality , Chinese -made health products . writes Dr. Lucy Chen .