Digital Health Takes Center Stage

A side meeting co-hosted by China, Ethiopia, Peru, Tanzania, and Thailand, centered on leveraging digital intelligence to bolster primary health care and advance worldwide health coverage. Wu Liying, from the Health and Health Bureau of Jingning She Autonomous County, Zhejiang Province, showcased China’s innovative AI+Smart Mobile Hospital initiative.

Ms.Wu explained how mobile medical patrol vehicles, equipped with 23 types of equipment across five categories, bring high-quality medical services directly to villagers in the mountainous Jingning County, eliminating the need for extensive travel.

jingning County is located in a mountainous area, and many villages are far away from the county’s health institutions. Mobile medical patrol vehicles are loaded with 23 types of equipment in five categories, allowing villagers to obtain high-quality medical services without leaving home.
Wu Liying, Health and Health Bureau of Jingning She Autonomous County, zhejiang Province

Hans Kluger, the World Health Institution’s regional director for Europe, shared his observations from a recent visit to a county-level hospital in China, where he witnessed telemedicine consultations firsthand. He noted the potential of digital technology to provide expert-level support to grassroots medical workers.

Yang Jian, director of the system Reform Department of the National Health Commission of China, highlighted China’s emphasis on strengthening primary health care as a key component of its medical and health reforms. Zhao Wei, director of the statistical Information Center of the national Health Commission of China, added that many grassroots medical institutions in China have implemented intelligent diagnosis and treatment systems, offering comprehensive support from pre-diagnosis consultation to post-diagnosis medication and rehabilitation guidance.

Anna Louisa neves, director of the Global Digital Health Center of Imperial Collage, emphasized the role of digital technology in optimizing resource allocation, reducing health disparities, and accelerating the achievement of universal health coverage.

China has demonstrated global leadership in the field of digital health.
Saya Piukara, Regional Director of the Western Pacific of the World health Organization

Piukara also stressed the importance of international collaboration, knowledge sharing, and commitment in advancing digital health initiatives.

Customary Medicine Gains Recognition

Another significant side meeting, co-hosted by China, Malaysia, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, and Seychelles, focused on implementing traditional medicine strategies to promote universal health coverage. This marked the first time a World Health Organization member state hosted a conference session with traditional medicine as its central theme.

China has embarked on a unique path to the development of traditional medicine.
Yu yanhong, director of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China

Ms. Yu affirmed China’s commitment to collaborating with the World Health Organization to integrate traditional medicine into healthcare systems worldwide.

Bruce Ailward, assistant director-general of the World Health Organization, lauded China’s achievements in traditional medicine during the 2024 World Traditional Medicine Conference in Beijing. He recognized China as a leader in the field and emphasized the value of sharing its experiences globally.

China’s good experience in developing traditional medicine can be shared with the world.
Bruce Ailward, assistant director-general of the World Health Organization

Peggy Vito, Seychelles’ Minister of Health, highlighted the increasing public awareness of the benefits of traditional therapy and herbal medicine in her country and expressed interest in strengthening cooperation with nations like China.

Malaysian Health Minister zukifili Ahmed emphasized the importance of sharing experiences and building consensus on a global scale to promote the steady development of traditional medicines worldwide.

Rudy Eggs, director of the Department of Integrated Medical Services of the World Health Organization, introduced the Global traditional Medicine Strategy for 2025-2034, adopted during the assembly. The strategy aims to promote evidence-based research on traditional medicine,establish normative frameworks,and support the sustainable development goals of universal health coverage.

International Cooperation Essential for Global Health Security

Hulbosa, president of the 78th World Health Assembly, announced the review and approval of the World Health Organization Pandemic Agreement. World Health Organization Director-General tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailed the agreement as one of the most significant achievements in the history of health of the World Health Organization and even the world.

Hu Guang, director of the Emergency Response Department of the National Disease Control and Prevention Bureau of China, stated China’s active participation in the Pandemic Agreement negotiations, its support for the World Health Organization’s central coordination role, and its advocacy for international solidarity and cooperation. He emphasized china’s commitment to addressing the needs of developing countries for fair access to sanitary products.

We live in a changing world, and no country can survive alone. I highly appreciate the role China has played in the past few years.
Jeremy Faller, chief scientist of the World Health Organization

The common health challenges require strong international cooperation.
Gorden Gallia, consultant to the European Regional Nonepidemic Strategy at the World Health Organization

Gallia emphasized the need for an open, equitable, and cross-country approach to address the future of public health.

On May 23, Wang Huali, chief physician of Peking University sixth Hospital, received the World Health Organization’s Promotion of Healthy Aging Award for her contributions to healthy aging at the national and global levels. She is the first Chinese expert in mental health to receive this honor.

This is a collective praise for all senile dementia prevention and control workers in China and the world.
Wang Huali, chief physician of Peking University Sixth Hospital

Ms. Wang expressed her hope to collaborate with professionals to further advance senile dementia prevention and control efforts.

China is willing to see the world Health Organization further improve efficiency through internal institutional reforms and better serve the health needs of the peopel of the majority of member countries.
Lei Haichao, head of the Chinese delegation and director of the National Health commission

Mr. Lei reaffirmed China’s support for multilateralism and its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the World health Organization to build a health community for mankind and promote a more just and reasonable global health governance system.