Chinese authorities say they've pushed the levels of public health literacy to new levels. China launched an action plan called Healthy China in June 2019 to promote and boost its citizens' health. Officials praised the health initiative at a press conference on Friday in Beijing.

The Healthy China plan is a comprehensive one that focuses on improving the overall well-being of Chinese people. Over the last two years, the central government has launched 15 campaigns every year aimed at guiding the public to live a healthy life. These include persuading people to eat properly, work out regularly, quit smoking, and learn how to prevent themselves from getting sick from certain diseases.

Mao Qun'an, vice director of the Office of the State Council Healthy China Promotional Committee, says China's health literacy rate reached 23.15 percent in 2020, up 6.09 percent from 2018.

"For major chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases, cancer and chronic diseases of the respiratory system, as well as major epidemics and endemics, we've continued to strengthen our prevention and control efforts. We've successfully won the battle against the COVID-19 epidemic", he said.

The current health literacy rate indicates 23 in 100 Chinese people have acquired knowledge and skills related to healthcare.

Governments at all levels have also upped their efforts. Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen have issued smoking bans in public spaces. The health official says they're promoting national legislation on smoking control, including through the Chinese media, which regularly publishes news related to a "Healthy China." The role of sports is also being taken seriously.

"We're working with the Sports Bureau to edit the Healthy Beijing development plan for the period from 2021 to 2025. It's the first time we've combined sports and healthcare plans together. We hope combining the two factors can be more effective in promoting a healthy Beijing", said Gao Xiaojun, spokesperson of Beijing Municipal Health Commission.

Authorities are calling for more members of the public to join in on the campaigns.