Presidnet Lee Teng-hui this afternoon praises prominent scientist Dr. David Ho for his significant contributions to AIDS research and treatment, saying that Dr. Ho is the pride of all Chinese.
Dr. Ho, his parents, and his wife are accompanied by Dr. James C. Y. Chu, chairman of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission (OCAC), and Dr. Po-ya Chang, director-general of the Department of Health, to the Office of the President for the meeting. Also present is Mr. Stephen S. F. Chen, deputy secretary-general to the President.
While receiving Dr. Ho and his family, the President expresses the hope that Dr. Ho could regularly visit Taiwan to help fight against the deadly disease.
Dr. Ho, currently the scientific director of the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, was named Time Magazine's 1996 "Man of the Year" for his major breakthrough in AIDS research. His drug "cocktails" treatment has proved to be able to prolong the lives of AIDS victims.
Seeing that President Lee has great interest in his research, Dr. Ho briefs the President on current AIDS research and its future prospects. Dr. Ho also suggests that, since prevention is more important than cure, Taiwan make more efforts to prevent the disease from spreading, especially at a time when AIDS infection in Taiwan is far from serious.
During the meeting, President Lee also says that he attaches much importance to Dr. Ho's suggestions made during a news conference held in Taipei on January 29 that Taiwan should establish a hospital devoted exclusively to AIDS treatment. The President then asks Director-General Po-ya Chang to work on the issue.
Dr. Ho, being on a six-day Taiwan visit, was conferred a Hwa Kuang Medal, First Class, by the OCAC yesterday morning. The medal is the ROC's top honor for Chinese who have made special contributions in overseas Chinese affairs or academic research at home or abroad.