Tsinghua University’s newly established Vanke School of Public Health held a seminar on September 25 to exchange experiences in the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic in China, as well as discuss strategies and measures for the normalized epidemic prevention and control.

The “Healthy China” seminar was held under the title “Capacity Enhancement Training Program – Theory and Practice of Prevention and Control of the COVID-19 Pandemic.”

During the seminar held both online and offline, ten distinguished officials and experts from relevant fields including China’s National Health Commission shared their experiences in the prevention and control of the COVID-19 Pandemic over the past half year, and exchanged opinions on how to continue to control the pandemic in the future.

Ma Xiaowei, Minister of the National Health Commission, highlighted the need to remain vigilant on the pandemic with increasing people movement and gatherings. He said wavering efforts at the international level could lead to a possible influx of the COVID-19 in the country. He also stressed on the importance of strong control of the epidemic in the upcoming autumn and winter season.

“To continue the best efforts, there is a need to place the lives of people first in order to secure a better life for everyone. The National Health Commission will continue to work closely with Tsinghua University,” he said.

Tsinghua University President Qiu Yong, speaking at the seminar, expressed his gratitude to the lecturers and coordinators of the program for organizing the “Healthy China” Seminar. President Qiu said although the epidemic was a testing time for the university, the coordinated efforts by the leaders from all levels enabled it to get through the pandemic. According to him, its bedrock of innovation had allowed Tsinghua University to lead in its efforts for the integrated online and offline education during the epidemic.

“It will be the 110th anniversary of Tsinghua University in 2021. Tsinghua University will continue its efforts for growth and development. It is expected that the university and its students will continue to hold on to its spirit of perseverance through adversity to strive for more advancement of the university and the nation,” said President Qiu.

Dr Margaret Chan, the inaugural Dean of the School and Emeritus Director-General of WHO, expressed her gratitude to the National Health Commission, lecturers and participants attending the seminar. She thanked the people and the Chinese government for their efforts to win the fight against the COVID-19. Although she was in Hong Kong during the epidemic, she keenly watched the developments that took place in the mainland with regard to the prevention and control of the pandemic, and was proud to see the mainland heading in a positive direction in its fight against the COVID-19.

“I appreciate the chance to continue to contribute to the public health cause in China,” she said.

Dr Michael Ryan, Executive Director of the World Health Organization Emergencies Program commented on the spread of the pandemic in different parts of the world. He stressed on the need of coordinated efforts, strong leadership, and trust in science at the national and regional levels to keep the pandemic from escalating.

Reporter: Sean Cai, Lili Guo

Editor: Sangeet Sangroula, John Olbrich