I want to wish everyone in China a very happy lunar new year. Just as the tiger symbolizes vitality and health, our foundation has continued to work over this past year for world where everyone has the chance to live a healthy and productive life, no matter where in the world they are.
The recent troubling and highly contagious Omicron variant means the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over. Since the onset of the pandemic, China has worked hard to not only contain the virus, but also contributed to closing the equity gap by supporting other countries with many different supplies including great vaccines. This work is thanks to incredible efforts by many inspiring individuals and organizations. I'm hopeful that by the end of this new year, the COVID pandemic will largely be over.
I was also thrilled to hear the news that in June that the WHO has recognized China's remarkable success in defeating malaria, declaring the country officially free from the disease. Here again we're seeing China pay it forward by contributing towards efforts to achieve the global eradication of malaria.
Although it's been another challenging year, I want to celebrate the progress that our Chinese partners have made, working alongside the foundation in fighting COVID-19, combating malaria, strengthening health systems in African countries and ensuring more people in China and around the world benefit from life-saving innovations.
Because of these efforts, more people in China are getting vaccinated against cervical cancer and other infectious diseases, and China-made HPV vaccine has gained WHO approval and can now be used to prevent cervical cancer in women and girls where low cost vaccines have not yet been available. Scientists in China use state-of-the-art technology to develop COVID-19 treatments and antimalarial drugs and new insecticides that prevent the transmission of the mosquito-borne diseases.
And we worked with Chinese engineers to trial the OmniProcessor, machine that turns human waste into safe drinking water while generating renewable energy. Pilot projects in both China and Senegal will help reduce disease transmission by using sanitary conditions.
I could go on and on, but these were remarkable achievements really make me optimistic as I look to the year of the tiger. So like many of you, I believe the world can become better and I know that innovation and collaboration are key to getting there.
I look forward to once again being able to travel to China to see all of you and this work in person. But for now, have a wonderful holiday and a very healthy and happy new year!
