China's national health watchdog held a conference on Dec 29 to review the publicity outcomes of the nation-wide tobacco-control promotion efforts in 2016.

Wang Hesheng, vice minister of the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), addressed the conference, saying that the tobacco-control campaign has continued to play a positive role since launching eight years ago.

Wang Hesheng, vice minister of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, addresses the tobacco-controlconference on Dec 29 in Beijing. [Photoby Zhang Ni/Chinanews.com]

"Anti-smoking activity is an all-round, full life-cycle safeguard for health," said Wang. "China's experience and achievements in tobacco-control should be shared worldwide." 

He also called for improving communication platforms across sectors, and made full use of the traditional media and new media channels in health education and anti-smoking publicity.

Mao Qun'an, publicity chief of the NHFPC, introduced the list of excellent media reports in tobacco-control promotion in 2016. 

Dozens of media, including the well-respected Southern Weekly newspaper, won the award alongside an investigative documentary from China Central Television. 

Dr Bernhard Schwartländer, WHO representative in China, also attended the conference and spoke highly of China's achievement in fighting smoking in 2016. 

In a forum, Schwartlnder said China's progress in tobacco-control continued to be a great contribution to the world. 

Hu Baijing, deputy dean of the School of Journalism and Communication, Renmin University of China, interpreted the latest big data report on China’s tobacco-control publicity in 2016, stressing the importance of media in the campaign.

The conference, held near the National Stadium, or Bird's Nest, kick started the comprehensive tobacco-control campaign in 2017. 

Over 100 representatives from hospitals, the press and the NHFPC attended the conference.