Lei Haichao, minister of China's National Health Commission (NHC), led a delegation to attend the G20 Finance and Health Ministerial Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Oct 31.

The meeting focused on public health emergency response, digital health, climate change and health, as well as pharmaceutical research, development and innovation.

Lei said that the Chinese government adheres to the principle of putting people's health first and implements a health-first strategy. Aiming to build a healthy China by 2035, efforts have been made to deepen medical system reform, leading to a continuous increase in life expectancy.

Lei called on G20 countries to enhance information sharing and cooperation in epidemic prevention and control, build an efficient and sustainable public health system that benefits mankind, and improve the global health governance system based on consultation and consensus, in a bid to promote the building of a global community of health for all.

On the sidelines of the event, Lei also met with health ministers of other countries and senior officials of the World Health Organization (WHO) to discuss practical cooperation and coordinating positions on common affairs.

Representatives from G20 countries, invited countries and international organizations including the WHO, totaling more than 150 people, attended the meeting. Officials from China's Ministry of Finance and National Disease Control and Prevention Administration were present at the event.