Sino-American health cooperation more necessary than ever: expert

Source:Xinhua Published: 2013-9-29 19:49:48

China and the United States are now faced with almost the same set of health issues, which has made the two countries' collaboration in this field more necessary than any other time in history, a US health expert has said.

"I think there will naturally and very easily be more cooperation. Our concerns are almost the same health problems, such as obesity that may cause diabetes," Jeffrey P. Koplan, vice president for global health at US-based Emory University, told Xinhua in an exclusive interview.

Koplan described himself as "surprised, honored and humbled" after becoming one of 50 foreign experts to be granted China's "Friendship Award" on Sunday by the Chinese government for their excellent work in the country.

These experts have made great contributions in such areas as industry, agriculture, energy and healthcare.

China launched the annual award in 1991 and has so far honored 1,299 foreign professionals working in the country.

"Because we have similar health situations, we have Chinese scientists coming to the United States and US scientists enjoying coming here to spend time together," Koplan said.

But 30 years ago, things were quite different, recalled the doctor, who has become very experienced in working with Chinese public health experts since his first visit to the country in 1980.

Back then, there were no staff from US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) based in China, while there are now several, Koplan noted.

China has made marked progress in the health sector over recent decades, he said, attributing it to "people who had the intelligence, diligence and willpower to make a rapid change in this field."

China made a quick jump in the 1970s and 1980s by emphasizing the improvement of rural health, clearing up water pollution and enhancing hygiene, according to the US doctor.

The early years of investment in "barefoot doctors," farmers who started practicing medicine after simple training, were very helpful to improving rural health in the country, Koplan believes.

Over the last 20 years, the Chinese government has been committed to improving medical services, also a major focus for the United States, with a particular concern for the feasibility of providing medical insurance for the whole population, he noted.

For a very long time, Koplan has played a part in the vitalization of China's healthcare.

While serving as a consultant to the World Bank, he helped facilitate more than 400 million US dollars' worth of loans to China through the organization's health projects.

Also, Koplan has made the China CDC the US CDC's first international partner, and helped the two seal a memorandum of long-term cooperation.

Serving as the first senior consultant and honorary professor for the China CDC, he has offered constructive guidance for its development.

Koplan said he expects countries, including China and the United States, to put differences and disputes aside, find common ground and create a better place.

Health can be a very effective mechanism for working together, he said.

Posted in: Fitness

blog comments powered by Disqus