The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Swiss based pharmaceutical company Novartis launched a two-year program on Tuesday to tackle high blood pressure.

Under the program, the Swiss healthcare products company pledged 15 million yuan (US$1.8 million) to help train medical staff, promote public awareness and for medical supplies.

"In China, at least one in 10 people suffers from high blood pressure," Health Vice-Minister Jiang Zuojun said at the signing ceremony.

MOH figures show that more than 160 million Chinese will suffer from high blood pressure in 10 years.

He said the condition could lead to complications that damage the heart, brain and kidneys.

"China will mobilize more social resources, including assistance from companies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to fight HIV/AIDS, high blood pressure, malaria, tuberculosis and other deadly illnesses," said Ren Minghui, deputy director-general of the ministry's Department of International Cooperation.

In May, US pharmaceutical giant Merck Sharp & Dohme launched a five-year HIV/AIDS program with the ministry worth about US$30 million.

"We are still negotiating with companies and NGOs about other programs," Ren said, called such alliances "win-win partnerships".

"Companies can promote their public image, and we can further our efforts in disease prevention and control," Ren explained.

Li Zhenfu, president of Novartis China, said that given China's flourishing economy, the effort would benefit the company in the long term even if no imminent profits are expected.

(China Daily September 15, 2005)