BEIJING, June 1 (Xinhua) — Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) jointly initiated a health care campaign for African orphans "Warm Children's Hearts: a China-Africa Joint Action" ahead of the International Children's Day.

Chinese embassies and medical teams in African countries have visited children in local orphanages and relevant institutions, carrying out activities such as free medical check-ups and donation of care bags.

Peng made remarks about the charity activity that China is Africa's forever friend and sincere partner. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the dispatch of medical teams to Africa by the Chinese government. The Chinese medical teams have actively assisted the people of African countries and become envoys to carry forward the China-Africa friendship.

Peng expressed her hope that the health care campaign for African orphans could pass on warmth and care to children, improve the health and well-being of African children, and contribute to building a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era.

Monica Geingos, the rotating president of OAFLAD and wife of the president of Namibia, and the members of the federation responded positively and expressed high appreciation for Peng's long-time care and support for the development of the cause of women and children in Africa.

Presidents, first ladies, and senior officials from many African countries attended relevant events in their own countries, where the atmosphere was warm and touching. They said true friendship knows no distance and China is a close neighbor even though it is thousands of miles apart.

They also expressed sincere gratitude to China for its selfless help and invaluable support to Africa for a long time and looked forward to writing a new chapter for the Africa-China friendship and creating a better future together.

(Source: Xinhua)