Source: Zhongshan School of Medicine
Written by: Zhongshan School of Medicine
Edited by: Wang Dongmei

On May 21-22, 2015, the colloquium “China-Africa: Evolving Sino-African Relations” was held in the University of Cape Town (UCT). The colloquium was jointly hosted by the Confucius Institute of UCT, Center for African Studies, and Institute for African Alternatives. The scope of this colloquium primarily included the topics on multilateral relations, Chinese cultural integration in Africa, industrialization, economy and trade, BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) banks, agriculture and rural development, and the positive role of Confucius Institute in promoting China-Africa relations. More than 30 invited speakers from China and Africa with expertise in various areas gave speeches in the colloquium.

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Kgalema Motlanthe, former President of South Africa, Max Price, Vice-Chancellor of UCT, Ben Turok, Director of Institute for African Alternatives, and Xuejun Tian, Chinese ambassador to South Africa, attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches.

Dr. Yiping Li from Zhongshan School of Medicine (ZSSOM) and Institute of Human Virology at Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) was invited to give a presentation entitled “Viral pandemics and non-traditional security of globalization - examples of Flaviviridae viruses” in the colloquium. Taking Dengue virus (DENV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) as examples, Dr. Li described to the audience the pathogenesis, epidemiology, viral spread, and current research on genetics background, treatment and prevention of these two important human pathogens. Dr. Li pointed out that the impact of DENV and HCV has been underestimated, and globalization and associated human activities are contributors in the current and ongoing global transmission of viruses, thus imposing non-traditional safety issues to world population. Therefore, international coordinated efforts are now essential for the reduction of the transmission of these viruses, and for the promotion of human health. This talk triggered great interest and stimulated discussions among the audience.

Dr. Li was also invited to pay a visit to Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM) at UCT and gave a presentation in the IDM. Dr. Li gave the scientists at IDM an overview of ZSSOM, with emphasis on disciplines of strength, research areas, and some achievements. In addition, Dr. Li presented recent-advances in the study of HCV, in combination with his own research. Both sides expressed the hope for further exchange and collaboration between IDM and ZSSOM.