The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and mass vaccination against the coronavirus have made public health a hot topic at China's biggest political gathering – the Two Sessions.

Gao Fu, the head of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is calling for more investment in vaccine development and scientific innovations in his proposal to the Two Sessions.

Gao, who's a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) – China's top political advisory body, believes it would benefit the country's public health sector.

"Although some of our vaccines, such as the inactivated vaccines, have taken the lead, we've been slower in the development of mRNA vaccines, unlike other countries. This highlights the need to further strengthen scientific and technological innovation in China," Gao said.

He called for building a national center for vaccine development and other scientific research.

The pandemic has also put a spotlight on China's public health system.

"Generally, we've done very well in strengthening public health at the grassroots level over the past 70 years. However, recent medical reforms have neglected investment in public health. We're calling for more investment in health infrastructure, as well as in the training and treatment of public health personnel," Gao said.

Recently, the Central Asian nation of Uzbekistan greenlighted a vaccine co-developed by Gao's team and a Chinese drug maker. Besides calling for more resources, Gao said it's also important to share resources. So far, China has provided COVID-19 vaccine aid to over 60 countries.

"If vaccines are not shared, it's the virus that will be shared. It doesn't need a passport to run around. Therefore, we must unite and cooperate to fight the pandemic together," Gao said.