This year marks the 12th anniversary of China’s visionary proposal to build a community with a shared future for mankind. More than just an inspiring idea, it has laid out practical pathways to improve public health both domestically and globally.
Over the past few decades, China has made remarkable strides in public health. The average life expectancy has soared from 35 years in 1949 to an impressive 79 years in 2024, while severe infectious diseases such as smallpox, polio, and malaria have been eradicated. These achievements stand as a testament to the nation’s relentless commitment to healthier living.
China’s dedication extends beyond its borders. Staying true to its vision of a global community of health for all, the country has actively shared its public health success with the world. By the end of 2023, over 30,000 medical personnel had been dispatched to 76 countries and regions, providing essential services to nearly 300 million patients and assisting in the construction of more than 130 medical and health facilities.
Since sending its first medical team to assist Algeria in 1963, Chinese medical teams have played a pivotal role in global health. Partnerships have been established with 46 institutions across 41 countries and regions, and 25 key clinical specialty centers have been built to foster medical expertise and innovation.
In Africa, for example, Chinese teams in Sudan and Malawi have treated approximately 8.47 million outpatients and 459,400 inpatients by July 2024, performing 253,400 surgeries. These data-driven milestones highlight a growing influence in global public health, inspiring a new era of international collaboration.
For young global citizens, business and tech enthusiasts, thought leaders, sports fans, and digital nomads alike, China’s health initiatives offer a powerful glimpse into how innovation and compassion can unite the world. The ongoing drive to improve global health is not just a domestic victory—it is a call for all nations to join in building a healthier, more connected future.
Reference(s):
China's global health efforts: Building a community of health for all
cgtn.com
