A symposium promoting physical dengue control was held in Beijing on April 13, with “Chinese wisdom” in global public health governance among the event highlights.
Hosted by GX Foundation, a Hong Kong-based NGO, the one-day Symposium on Vector-Borne Diseases and Dengue Fever Control Strategies brought together policymakers and health experts from China and international organizations to exchange their insights on multi-dimensional control measures.
About half of the world’s population is at risk of dengue fever, with an estimated 100-400 million infections occurring each year, according to the World Health Organization.
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There is no specific treatment for dengue, with prevention and control of the disease reliant on vector control.
In his opening remarks, Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and chairman of GX Foundation, urged policymakers and all parties involved to re-examine existing control processes and technical guidelines.
He said that this can transform disease control strategies characterized by "low technological thresholds, low-cost input, and field-proven effectiveness" into replicable and scalable international public goods.
This can provide practical community-level action plans for health emergencies and epidemic risk management, Leung added.
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At the symposium, GX Foundation released the document “Consensus on Physical Control of Dengue Fever”, summarizing how its focus on physical measures has successfully achieved significant reductions in infection rates across 12 countries over the past six years.
GX Foundation said it will travel to Geneva, Switzerland, in May to organize a sideline event during the 79th World Health Assembly.
There, the Consensus initiative will be formally presented to international organizations and health officials from various countries to contribute to the building of a global community of health for all.
Before the symposium, GX also led a delegation of Youth Ambassadors to Beijing on April 6-10 to participate in a tailored training program at China Foreign Affairs University.
The program was designed to deepen their understanding of the nation’s diplomatic system and global governance in preparation for future overseas humanitarian medical missions.
Contact the writer at kelly@chinadailyapac.com
