"Health is not a win-lose situation. Health is a win-win situation. When other countries are healthier, all of us are better off," said Doctor Tom Frieden, former director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and current president and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives.

In an exclusive interview with CGTN during the Global Health Forum of the Boao Forum for Asia, Dr Frieden expressed concern over the U.S.'s declining international commitments.

"We've been very close to eradication (of polio). And right now, the risk is the U.S. will pull the rug out from that effort, and polio could come roaring back," he warned. "Public health is under assault in the U.S. today."

At the same time, he praised China's advancements in medical research, technological innovation and hospital care, calling them "impressive" and "world-class." Meanwhile, he stressed that real progress in improving public health will depend on investments at the essential care level. These interventions, he noted, are the most cost-effective and impactful way of saving lives.

Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, Dr Frieden believes collaboration is not only possible but also crucial. He encourages non-governmental organizations to step up to foster people-to-people communication and easing tensions.

The Global Health Forum of the Boao Forum for Asia was held in Beijing on Thursday and Friday, with a theme "New future of health industry: Driven by innovation."

Executive producer: Zhang Jingwen

Producer: Yang Sha

Director: Chen Hongyu

Videographer: Yang Zhigang