Ma Xiaowei, minister of China's National Health Commission (NHC), participates in the first Asia Summit on Global Health via video link on Nov 24. [Photo/nhc.gov.cn]

The first Asia Summit on Global Health was held in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Nov 24. Ma Xiaowei, minister of China's National Health Commission (NHC), attended and addressed the summit via video link.

The COVID-19 pandemic is the most serious global outbreak of infectious disease in a century, Ma said in his speech, noting that facing this public health challenge, China has given top priority to protecting people's lives, adhered to the prevention and control strategy of guarding against imported cases from abroad and preventing resurgences of the outbreak at home, promoted the building of a global community of health for all, and deepened international cooperation in the fight against the virus.

Meanwhile, China has adopted national strategies in active response to its aging population, as well as made concerted efforts to push forward the implementation of its Healthy China and Healthy Aging initiatives, he said.

He stressed that the NHC will continue to enhance exchanges and collaboration with the SAR's health community and support Hong Kong in leveraging its unique strengths and integrating its growth into the country's overall health development.

The summit was jointly sponsored by the government of the Hong Kong SAR and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. With the theme "Shaping a resilient and sustainable future", the summit saw both online and offline participation of government officials working for global health, delegates of international organizations, and experts and representatives from the business community.