Lei Haichao, minister of China's National Health Commission (NHC), held a video meeting with Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), on Oct 28.

Lei spoke highly of the cooperation and exchanges between China and the WHO and briefed Tedros on the major tasks of health reform  highlighted at the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, noting that China will make further efforts to implement a health-first strategy and deepen reform.

He stressed that China actively participates in the reform of the global health governance system, supports the WHO in playing an important role in global health and values its cooperation with the organization.

He said that, in recent years, collaboration between China and the WHO has been elevated to a higher level and expanded to a broader scope, with more significant results achieved.

China has long been sending medical teams to regions including Africa to assist developing countries in strengthening their medical systems and service capabilities, thus contributing to the wellbeing of mankind, he added.

China is ready to further deepen practical cooperation with the WHO in health system reform and public health personnel training and work with other developing countries to achieve the health-related goals of the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda at an early date, so as to promote the building of a global community of health for all, he noted.

Tedros thanked China for the role it has played in pushing forward the development of global health and said he looks forward to enhancing bilateral cooperation in promoting universal health coverage, advancing equity in global health, developing traditional medicine and cultivating public health professionals.

Cao Xuetao, vice-minister of the NHC, attended the meeting.