The Gates Foundation signed a cooperation agreement with China’s National Health and Family Planning Commission on July 23 that aims to promote poverty reduction and HIV/AIDS intervention.

The agreement mainly centers on the public health system and child nutrition in extreme poverty villages. A pilot will be selected in Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan province to raise public awareness and implement the State Council’s “Healthy China 2030” by providing more support for children, particularly those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Melinda Gates, co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, signed on behalf of the foundation. On Monday, Melinda spoke highly of China’s contribution in combating poverty and AIDS and announced a $16.5 million donation.

(Melinda Gates in speech)

“More than three quarters of the declined global poverty happened in China. China lifted more than 700 million people out of poverty in one single generation. That is a stunning statistic.” Melinda said. “China’s progress is a powerful example for us.”

“China is now the second largest founder of research and development in the world. China’s discoveries are already saving lives,” Melinda noted.

Melinda Gates was invited to China by Chinese President Xi Jinping's wife Peng Liyuan, who was appointed as a WHO goodwill ambassador for tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in 2011. The agreement was signed on July 23 at the opening ceremony of a summer camp for children affected by HIV/AIDS.

It was Melinda’s last stop on her second China tour.