Xi Jinping's Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Video Conference of the 73rd World Health Assembly

Solidarity and cooperation to overcome the epidemic

Jointly build a human health community

 

Mr. President of the General Assembly,

Mr. Director-General of the World Health Organization,

Fellow delegates:

First of all, I think it is of great significance to hold this WHO conference at a critical time for mankind to fight the new coronary pneumonia epidemic!

Humanity is experiencing the worst global public health emergency since the end of the Second World War. The sudden onset of the neo-coronary pneumonia epidemic has now affected more than 210 countries and regions, affecting more than 7 billion million people and claiming more than 300,000 precious lives. Here, I would like to express my condolences to the unfortunate victims! Condolences to their families!

The history of human civilization is also a history of struggle with disease and disaster. Viruses know no borders, and epidemics do not distinguish between races. In the face of the menacing neo-coronary pneumonia epidemic, the international community has not flinched, and people of all countries have bravely moved forward, watching each other and sharing the same boat through thick and thin, demonstrating the great love of the world and gathering together their majestic strength in the fight against the epidemic.

After painstaking efforts and paying a huge price, China has effectively reversed the epidemic situation and safeguarded the lives and health of its people. In an open, transparent and responsible manner, China has always informed WHO and relevant countries of the epidemic information in a timely manner, released information such as the genetic sequence of the virus at the first time, shared its experience in prevention, control and treatment with all parties without reservation, and provided a great deal of support and assistance to countries in need.

Mr. Chairman!

At present, the epidemic is still spreading, prevention and control still need to work hard. I would like to make the following suggestions.

First, make every effort to prevent and control the epidemic. This is a matter of urgency. We should adhere to the people-oriented, life-oriented, scientific deployment of medical forces and important materials, in the protection, isolation, detection, treatment, tracking and other important areas to take effective measures to curb the spread of the epidemic in the world as soon as possible, to prevent the spread of the epidemic across borders. It is necessary to strengthen information sharing, exchange useful experiences and practices, carry out international cooperation in detection methods, clinical treatment, vaccine drug research and development, and continue to support scientists from various countries to carry out global scientific research on the source and transmission of the virus.

Second, the WHO leadership role. Under the leadership of Director-General Tedros, WHO has made significant contributions to leading and advancing international cooperation against the epidemic, which is highly appreciated by the international community. At present, the international fight against the epidemic is at a critical stage, and supporting WHO is supporting international cooperation in the fight against the epidemic and saving lives. China calls on the international community to increase political support and financial investment in WHO, mobilize global resources, and win the fight against the epidemic.

Third, increase support for African countries. Developing countries, especially African countries, have weak public health systems, and helping them build a strong defense line is a top priority in the international fight against the epidemic. We should provide more material, technical and human support to African countries. China has delivered a large amount of medical aid materials to more than 50 African countries and the African Union, and specially dispatched five medical expert groups. In the past 70 years, Chinese medical teams sent to Africa have provided medical services to more than 0.2 billion African people. At present, 46 Chinese medical teams based in Africa are engaged in local anti-epidemic operations.

Fourth, strengthen global public health governance. Humanity will prevail, but a major public health emergency will not be the last. In view of the shortcomings and deficiencies exposed by the epidemic, we should improve the public health safety management system, improve the speed of emergency response to public health emergencies, and establish global and regional epidemic prevention material reserve centers. China supports a comprehensive assessment of the global response to the epidemic after the global epidemic is under control, so as to sum up experience and make up for shortcomings. This work requires a scientific and professional attitude, the leadership of WHO, and the principle of objectivity and impartiality.

Fifth, economic and social development. Countries in a position to do a good job of normalizing epidemic prevention and control, in accordance with the professional advice of WHO, to carry out the orderly resumption of work and resumption of school. We should strengthen international macroeconomic policy coordination, maintain the stability and smooth flow of the global industrial chain and supply chain, and try our best to restore the world economy.

Sixth, strengthen international cooperation. Mankind is a community of destiny, and solidarity and cooperation are the most powerful weapons to defeat the epidemic. This is an important experience gained by the international community in the fight against major epidemics such as AIDS, Ebola, avian influenza, and H1N1 influenza. It is the right way for people of all countries to cooperate in the fight against epidemics.

Mr. Chairman!

China has always adhered to the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind. It is not only responsible for the safety and health of its own people, but also responsible for global public health. To advance global cooperation against the epidemic, I declare:

-China will provide US $2 billion million in international assistance over two years to support the fight against the epidemic and economic and social recovery of countries affected by the epidemic, especially developing countries.

-- China will cooperate with the United Nations to set up a global humanitarian emergency warehouse and hub in China, strive to ensure the supply chain of anti-epidemic materials, and establish green channels for transportation and customs clearance.

-- China will establish 30 China-Africa counterpart hospital cooperation mechanisms, accelerate the construction of the headquarters of the African Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and help Africa improve disease prevention and control capabilities.

-- When China's new crown vaccine is developed and put into use, it will serve as a global public good and make China's contribution to the accessibility and affordability of vaccines in developing countries.

-- China will work with G20 members to implement the Debt Repayment Initiative for the poorest countries, and is willing to work with the international community to increase support for countries that are particularly affected by the epidemic and under great pressure to help them overcome their current difficulties.

I call on us to join hands to jointly protect the life and health of people of all countries, jointly protect the common earth home of mankind, and jointly build a human health community!

Thank you all.

 

Reprinted from: Xinhua