SCO Health Ministers Discuss Public Health Collaboration in Xi'an

The eighth Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Health Ministers' Meeting convened in Xi'an, China, bringing together senior health officials from member states, dialogue partners, and representatives from the SCO and the World Health Organization (WHO). The meeting focused on fostering collaboration in public health to create a healthier future for all.

The discussions centered on strategies to address shared global health challenges. Key areas of focus included strengthening emergency response systems, improving access to primary healthcare, leveraging digital technologies, and promoting the development of traditional medicine within SCO countries.

Lei Haichao, head of China's National Health Commission, emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation in reforming regional and global health governance. He highlighted China's progress in public health and healthcare reforms, reiterating the country's commitment to advancing policy and technological collaboration with SCO partners. He also advocated for utilizing existing platforms, such as the China-SCO Emergency Medical Center and the SCO Hospital Cooperation Alliance, to enhance joint capacity-building efforts.

Health officials from various SCO countries shared updates on their national health initiatives and expressed the need for strengthened cooperation within the SCO framework. As the rotating president of the SCO for 2024-2025, China has designated "SCO Year of Sustainable Development," with public health as a key priority.

The SCO Secretary-General underscored the importance of building resilient and inclusive healthcare systems for a sustainable future, particularly given that SCO countries represent a significant portion of the global population. The WHO Regional Director for Europe commended China's leadership in global health and its vision for a global community of health. He expressed the WHO's interest in deepening cooperation with the SCO to address pressing health challenges.