Forum calls for better global pandemic control
By Wu Guoxiu, Bao Hongwei
CGTN Photo

CGTN Photo

The public health forum of the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) has adopted a Beijing Initiative on Sunday, which calls for transparency in sharing medical experiences and for more cooperation in fighting pandemics.

These officials are calling for a bigger fight against global disease threats with shared anti-epidemic experience and practices. They represent the Beijing Municipal Health Commission, the Chinese National Health Commission's international department, the World Health Organization's China offices, the UN Population Fund, UNAIDS, and the Serbian Embassy in China.

Lei Haichao, Director-General, Beijing Municipal Health Commission, read the initiative in English. "We call on all parties concerned to fight against global disease threats by sharing your experience and practices in epidemic prevention and control, on the principles of openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and respect, mutual benefits for win-win situations, and equality and transparency," he said.

Sharing was an integral part of the forum. Renowned Chinese virologist Xu Jianguo, also an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a researcher at the Chinese CDC, said new findings showed that the coronavirus has a very high asymptomatic rate and can be still infectious after 48 hours on cloth and 90 hours on the glass.

CGTN Photo

CGTN Photo

"The conclusions are based on a comparison of research from around the world, not only from China. First, the disease's asymptomatic rate is very high, maybe from 6 percent to 90 percent. Second, its virus load is very high even before symptoms show up. Thirdly, it can survive longer on materials like cloth and glass than H1N1 virus," he told CGTN.

With COVID-19 still looming large, the trade in services fair gives particular focus to public health via a special forum and exhibitions. Nearly 100 companies from China and overseas are showcasing what they've done or can safeguard global health.

CGTN Photo

CGTN Photo

"These global settings are truly important, indeed essential for us to have effective response for COVID-19. Cooperation is a central word in all our responses to a virus now spreading all over the world," said WHO Representative in China, Dr. Gauden Galea. He said inside countries, it needs cooperation between the government, the health sector, and society. Between countries, it requires the collaboration of researches and aid.

COVID-19 vaccines are among the new medical products and technologies being displayed at the fair. The International Trade in Services Fair hopes to provide a platform for sharing practices and experience in epidemic control, to contribute to better global health.