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19

2021-08

The National Health Commission held a video conference to comprehensively deploy COVID-19 prevention and control efforts for the winter and spring seasons.

On the afternoon of November 22, the National Health Commission convened a national video and teleconference for the health and wellness system, thoroughly implementing the spirit of the Fifth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee, carrying out the Party Central Committee and the State Council’s decisions and arrangements for COVID-19 prevention and control, reporting on the special inspection conducted by the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council regarding COVID-19 prevention and control during the autumn and winter seasons, and deploying measures to ensure that all localities continue to maintain unwavering vigilance in their efforts to prevent and control the epidemic during the winter and spring. Comrade Ma Xiaowei, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Director of the National Health Commission, attended the meeting and delivered a speech. The conference emphasized that the epidemic prevention and control situation this winter and next spring remains severe and complex, with daunting and heavy tasks ahead. The Party Central Committee and the State Council attach great importance to this work; all cadres and staff across the system must earnestly study and deeply understand the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping, resolutely overcome complacency, war-weariness,侥幸 mentality, and any tendency toward slackening, strictly implement the measures of “preventing imported cases and preventing resurgence within the country,” firmly safeguard the line of defense against COVID-19 during the winter and spring, consolidate the hard‑won achievements in epidemic prevention and control, build a reliable public health safety barrier for the people, and provide strong support for high‑quality economic and social development. The conference called for focusing on five key areas of work, drawing on recent findings from epidemic prevention and control efforts as well as from oversight inspections. First, strengthen epidemic monitoring and information reporting. Appropriately expand the scope of nucleic acid testing under the “all who should be tested, will be tested” policy, increase the frequency of regular testing, and ensure thorough screening, reporting, and referral of cases identified at fever clinics. When outbreaks are detected, reports must be made truthfully and in strict accordance with laws and regulations. Second, reinforce the dual approach of “people and goods” to prevent imported cases. For individuals entering the country through air ports, enhance professional and technical training for quarantine service personnel, standardize service delivery, and strengthen closed-loop management for pick-up, transfer, and home observation. At land ports, intensify efforts to identify and manage individuals entering illegally, while also reinforcing personal protective measures for high‑risk groups. Third, strengthen hospital‑acquired infection prevention and control. Leading officials from the Party and administrative bodies of medical institutions must take personal charge, refine prevention and control mechanisms, assign dedicated teams to specific responsibilities, and conduct regular inspections. Existing designated hospitals and fever clinics should undergo re‑evaluation; those that fail to meet the required standards must be resolutely canceled or promptly upgraded, with adequate equipment and staffing in place, and strict adherence to closed‑loop management requirements for patients with fever. A support mechanism should be established to mobilize personnel and equipment from large comprehensive hospitals. Fourth, strengthen emergency response to cluster outbreaks. Strictly implement the five key measures for handling cluster outbreaks. At the same time, medical institutions should carry out routine nucleic acid testing for all individuals who should be tested—such as outpatients, emergency patients, and inpatients—and fully leverage the role of third‑party nucleic acid testing institutions to ensure timely feedback on test results. Improve the emergency response mechanism based on “local jurisdiction, regional collaboration, and efficient coordination,” organize practical drills, and intensify training in disease control, medical care, testing, and epidemiological investigation. Give high priority to and further strengthen epidemiological investigation and source tracing efforts. Fifth, strengthen epidemic prevention and control before and after the Spring Festival holiday. Continue to adhere to the effective prevention and control measures implemented during last year’s Spring Festival and this year’s “May Day” and “National Day” holidays—reducing population mobility, minimizing travel risks, limiting gatherings, and reinforcing personal protection. Take targeted measures to prevent outbreaks from occurring and spreading in rural areas. At the conference, the Health Commissions of Shanghai Municipality, Yunnan Province, and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region shared their experiences and insights. Members of the Party Leadership Group of the National Health Commission, heads of various departments and bureaus within the Commission, the Commission’s Resident Inspection and Supervision Team, relevant directly affiliated units, and principal officials from hospitals under the Commission’s administration located in Beijing attended the meeting at the main venue. Principal officials from the Health Commissions of all provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the central government), separately planned cities, and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, as well as heads of provincial-level disease control agencies, hospitals under the Commission’s administration located outside Beijing, tertiary general hospitals and children’s hospitals in provincial capitals and separately planned cities, attended the meeting at sub‑venues.

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24

2020-11

When will the COVID-19 vaccine be available? How much will it cost? Here’s the official response!

On September 25, the State Council Information Office held a briefing attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Health Commission, and the National Medical Products Administration, as well as relevant experts, to provide an update on the progress of COVID-19 vaccine development. How is China’s COVID-19 vaccine program progressing? Wu Yuanbin, Director-General of the Department of Social Development at the Ministry of Science and Technology: At present, 11 COVID-19 vaccines in China have entered the clinical research phase, with three inactivated vaccines and one adenovirus-vector vaccine already in Phase III clinical trials. Other vaccines—including recombinant protein vaccines, mRNA vaccines, and attenuated influenza virus–vector vaccines—are rapidly advancing through Phase I/II clinical trials. The four vaccines currently in Phase III clinical trials are all progressing smoothly. When will China’s COVID-19 vaccines be approved for market launch? Yang Sheng, Head of the Drug Registration Division at the National Medical Products Administration: Before a vaccine can be launched, it must first complete preclinical studies and Phase I and Phase II clinical trials—and then pass Phase III clinical trials, demonstrating that the vaccine’s safety and efficacy meet established standards. In addition, commercial-scale validation must be completed to confirm that the vaccine intended for market release meets acceptable safety standards, while also establishing clear evidence of its efficacy and ensuring that its quality remains consistently controllable. The pace of Phase III clinical trial progress is influenced by numerous factors, such as the number of participants, the number of study groups, and the outcomes observed. Researchers will adopt a case‑by‑case approach to accelerate the timely launch of China’s COVID-19 vaccines. How long does protection from a COVID-19 vaccine last? Zeng Guang, Chief Epidemiologist at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Humanity has only been aware of the novel coronavirus for nine months. As for how long protection lasts after vaccination with each specific vaccine, extensive, long‑term research is still required. So far, serological monitoring of the earliest vaccinated participants in China has shown that antibody levels remain relatively high, suggesting that these vaccines may offer relatively long‑term protection. How many COVID-19 vaccines will China produce? Zheng Zhongwei, Head of the Vaccine R&D Task Force within the Scientific Research Task Force: According to estimates, by the end of this year, China’s annual vaccine production capacity could reach 610 million doses, and next year it could exceed 1 billion doses. We will divide the population into three categories: The first category comprises high‑risk groups, including medical and epidemic prevention personnel, staff working at border ports, personnel responsible for urban operations and public services, workers at large agricultural and sideline product markets and frozen food markets, as well as staff working in other public venues; The second category includes high‑risk individuals, such as the elderly, children, and people with underlying health conditions; The third category consists of the general population. In the future, vaccinations will be administered in the order of high‑risk groups, high‑risk individuals, and then the general population. How will China price its COVID-19 vaccines? Zheng Zhongwei, Head of the Vaccine R&D Task Force within the Scientific Research Task Force: The pricing of COVID-19 vaccines in China will adhere to their status as public goods—ensuring both accessibility and affordability, and remaining firmly within a range that the general public can accept. Do we still need to wear masks after getting vaccinated? Zeng Guang, Chief Epidemiologist at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention: This winter and spring, in addition to COVID-19, we will also need to contend with influenza, adenovirus, and other respiratory infectious diseases—and no COVID-19 vaccine can claim 100% efficacy. More importantly, for most people, it may not be possible to receive a vaccine this coming winter and spring. Therefore, whether or not to wear a mask should be determined based on the local COVID-19 epidemic situation, the prevalence of other respiratory infections, ventilation conditions, and individual immune status. In particular, older adults, patients with chronic illnesses, and children should take extra precautions. In addition, we recommend continuing to maintain good habits such as wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and keeping a safe distance from others.

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28

2020-09

Shenzhen has added the H7N9 avian influenza virus to its surveillance list.

Southern Daily News (Reporters: Xiang Yuhang, Deng Xiang) — H7N9 avian influenza is a novel strain of avian influenza that was first detected in late March 2013 in Shanghai and Anhui. This new subtype of influenza virus represents the first-ever discovery of its kind worldwide. Yesterday morning, the Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention held a press conference to announce that no cases of H7N9 influenza have yet been identified among the local population in Shenzhen. Since the beginning of this year, influenza-like illness cases in Shenzhen have remained within normal ranges, and there has been no significant increase in the number of pneumonia patients admitted to hospitals across the city. According to reports, the CDC has added this newly identified virus to its nationwide influenza surveillance program, and the center is urging residents to avoid contact with—and consumption of—dead birds and livestock when visiting outdoor areas during the Qingming Festival. No Significant Increase in Pneumonia Hospitalizations According to influenza surveillance data collected since the start of this year, the percentage of outpatient visits presenting with fever and influenza-like symptoms at sentinel hospitals across the city currently stands at around 3.6%–4%, slightly lower than the typical percentage observed during this same season in previous years. Ma Hanwu, Deputy Director of the Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, revealed that the number of hospital admissions due to pneumonia has also not increased significantly, with each week seeing only 10–20 pneumonia patients admitted to hospitals throughout Shenzhen. Starting in March each year, the incidence of influenza in Shenzhen begins to rise as the flu becomes more active. Years of influenza surveillance data from Shenzhen show that the peak influenza season typically occurs between May and July. At present, the disease control authorities have established 39 surveillance sites—including hospitals, community health centers, schools, poultry farms, and wholesale markets—where influenza viruses are sampled and tested weekly to keep track of the latest influenza trends. Ma Hanwu noted that human infections with H7N2 and H7N3 avian influenza viruses have been reported in countries such as the Netherlands and Italy; however, H7N9 remains the world’s first documented case. He cautioned the public that while H7N9 avian influenza is concerning, it is not yet cause for widespread panic, as human infections remain rare—this virus primarily circulates among birds rather than humans. He explained that scientists still do not fully understand how this virus might infect humans, but the current approach is to promptly report, investigate, treat, and study any confirmed cases involving infected animals or people. “Shenzhen boasts an excellent influenza testing platform and a high level of research expertise, enabling us to contain outbreaks at their earliest stages.” With the Qingming Festival approaching, Ma Hanwu reminded residents to take care when visiting cemeteries or enjoying spring outings in the countryside: children should be taught to avoid contact with animals, and anyone who discovers dead birds or poultry must report the findings to the relevant authorities—under no circumstances should such animals be handled privately, let alone slaughtered and consumed. Meat and poultry products purchased from certified, quarantined sources can be safely prepared according to hygienic standards without compromising their suitability for ordinary consumption. He also advised citizens to strengthen their immune systems by receiving routine vaccinations. Influenza Surveillance at Shenzhen Ports Has Not Yet Detected Any Abnormalities The reporter also learned that the Shenzhen Inspection and Quarantine Bureau will closely monitor the evolving epidemic situation, conducting influenza surveillance at all Shenzhen ports while intensifying temperature checks and medical inspections of inbound and outbound travelers. Should any suspected infectious disease outbreaks be detected, they will be promptly reported and appropriate measures taken. In addition, the bureau will focus on using electronic display screens, bulletin boards, and notice boards—among other channels—to provide regular updates on the ongoing H7N9 avian influenza outbreak, offering targeted education on preventive measures. Dedicated consultation stations will be set up to provide inbound and outbound travelers with essential health advice and guidance. In recent times, the bureau has conducted comprehensive inspections of port-based temperature monitoring equipment, as well as the stockpiles of protective gear and disinfectants. Meanwhile, staff will remain on standby, ensuring smooth communication and timely reporting in the event of sudden outbreaks. The bureau will also continue to maintain open lines of communication with local health authorities and their counterparts in Hong Kong and Macao, ensuring that the port quarantine joint prevention and control mechanism operates effectively. From January to March this year, Shenzhen port quarantine officials identified 1,962 inbound and outbound travelers exhibiting symptoms such as fever and runny nose, with 299 cases diagnosed as influenza—but no H7-type A influenza was detected. Thus far, influenza surveillance at Shenzhen ports has not revealed any abnormalities. ■Tips for Preventing Influenza 1. Pay Attention to Nutrition and Hygiene: Regular handwashing, frequent ventilation of indoor spaces, proper nutrition, and maintaining good physical condition all help prevent influenza and other respiratory infectious diseases. 2. Avoid Infecting Others: When experiencing respiratory symptoms such as sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or handkerchief. 3. Seek Medical Care When Symptoms Appear: If you develop acute respiratory symptoms such as fever or cough—especially if you experience high fever or difficulty breathing—seek medical attention promptly. 4. Avoid Contact with Pathogens: Refrain from touching or consuming sick (or dead) birds and livestock. (Original Title: H7N9 Avian Influenza Virus Added to Surveillance List)

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29

2020-07

The Connection Between Millimeter Wave Therapy and the Nobel Prize

On October 7, the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was announced in Sweden, with American scientists James E. Rothman and Randy W. Schekman, along with German scientist Thomas C. Südhof, jointly awarded the prize. Their groundbreaking research unveiled the mysteries behind how cells organize their transport systems—the process known as “vesicular trafficking.” In the course of this discovery, the three scientists—James E. Rothman, Randy W. Schekman, and Thomas C. Südhof—unveiled the intricate structure and precise regulatory mechanisms underlying the cell’s intracellular transport system. When this system becomes unstable, it can lead to detrimental consequences, such as neurological disorders, diabetes, or immune system dysfunction. Specifically, cells are living entities that rely on external energy and information to maintain their active state. Consequently, the efficient transport of nutrients between cells is crucial for cellular metabolism; if information and energy are not replenished in a timely manner, cells may undergo pathological changes, triggering a cascade of human diseases. Millimeter wave therapy works by resonating with cellular proteins and modulating ion channels, ensuring that communication and interactions between cells remain normal. By activating immune system cells, millimeter wave therapy causes their cell membranes to resonate and absorb millimeter wave energy, thereby establishing a weak alternating electric field. This field influences the permeability of ions across cell membranes—both inside and outside the cell—and even regulates the opening and closing of ion channels. It enhances the cells’ ability to resist lipid peroxidation, increases the activity of immune cells, and promotes immune responses involving both cells and body fluids, ultimately strengthening the body’s capacity to eliminate functional impairments. Through resonance, millimeter waves can realign the microscopic structures within body tissues and alter the activity of proteins, amino acids, and enzymes. As a result, they regulate cellular metabolism and function, improving nutrient supply and metabolic processes in cellular tissues while boosting tissue function and cellular regenerative capacity. Millimeter waves also accelerate the elimination of pathological and metabolic byproducts, enhancing the body’s stress response and non‑specific immune defenses. This year’s Nobel Prize has shed light on the mechanisms underlying cellular communication and underscored its critical importance for human health. Millimeter wave therapy has long been dedicated to promoting cellular health and thereby improving various bodily functions—and the awarding of this Nobel Prize serves as powerful validation for millimeter wave therapy. The transport of nutrients between cells is essential for cellular metabolism; when information and energy are not replenished in a timely manner, cells can become dysfunctional, leading to a range of human diseases. Therefore, at the root of treating human disease lies the treatment of diseased cells—and millimeter wave therapy is precisely a treatment that targets the cellular level. By resonating with cellular proteins and regulating ion channels, millimeter wave therapy ensures that communication and interactions between cells remain normal. This year’s Nobel Prize has revealed the mechanisms of cellular communication and highlighted its significance for human health. Millimeter wave therapy has consistently focused on promoting cellular health and improving overall bodily functions—and the Nobel Prize serves as important validation for this therapeutic approach.

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29

2020-07

Israeli research has found that millimeter-wave radiation can inhibit the regeneration of cancer cells.

China Broadcasting Network, Beijing, March 29 (Reporter Feng Ganyong, Correspondent Chang Liang) — According to recent reports from numerous authoritative media outlets worldwide, Israeli researchers have discovered that irradiating cancer cells with millimeter waves can inhibit their regenerative capacity without damaging the cells themselves. This groundbreaking finding has opened up a new avenue for radiation therapy in cancer treatment. At the recently concluded 3rd International IEEE Conference on Microwave, Communications, Antennas, and Electronic Systems held in Tel Aviv, researchers from Ariel University in Israel announced this discovery, noting that their research has already received funding from relevant European institutions. Professor Yachrom of Ariel University stated that when they exposed lung cancer cells to millimeter waves, they found that the cancer cells lost their ability to regenerate—while healthy cells remained unaffected. “This is undoubtedly tremendous news for cancer radiation therapy,” he added. Yachrom explained that the radiation currently used in cancer treatment is ionizing radiation, which not only kills cancer cells but also damages other cells. “We opted for non-ionizing millimeter-wave radiation, which only disrupts certain cellular functions rather than the cells themselves.” Unlike visible light and microwaves, millimeter waves are more challenging to generate—but with advances in technology, the difficulty involved is steadily decreasing. As Director of the Free-Electron Laser Laboratory at the university, Yachrom and his colleagues employ specialized magnetic structures and electron acceleration techniques to produce these millimeter waves. The research teams from Israeli and Danish universities have received funding from the Eva Henri Foundation in Denmark. Experts in the field have hailed the significant breakthrough in using millimeter waves to treat cancer as a major contribution to humanity.

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29

2020-07

The National Health and Family Planning Commission requires all Grade III hospitals to use exclusively domestically produced medical devices.

The National Health and Family Planning Commission and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology jointly convened a conference to promote the development and application of domestically produced medical devices. Li Bin, Director of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, stated that the focus will be on encouraging Grade III Class A hospitals to adopt domestically manufactured medical equipment. By accelerating the development of domestic medical devices, expanding their widespread use, leveraging the comparative advantages of Chinese enterprises, reducing healthcare costs, effectively curbing the unreasonable rise in medical expenses, and genuinely easing the financial burden on patients. Li Bin, Director of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, emphasized that advancing the development and application of domestically produced medical devices is an urgent imperative for deepening reform of the pharmaceutical and healthcare systems and for lowering healthcare costs. By speeding up the development of domestic medical devices, promoting their broader adoption, capitalizing on the competitive strengths of local enterprises, reducing medical expenses, effectively stemming the unchecked increase in medical costs, and truly alleviating the financial burden on patients, we can make significant progress. Li Bin noted that the National Health and Family Planning Commission has consistently prioritized the promotion and application of domestically produced medical devices as a key area of work, ensuring that this effort is carried out with diligence and effectiveness. The health and family planning authorities are working closely with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to accelerate efforts to overcome barriers hindering the development and application of domestic medical devices, while fostering a favorable social and policy environment. Li Bin stated that it is essential to vigorously encourage healthcare institutions to utilize domestically produced medical devices, with a particular emphasis on driving the adoption of such equipment in Grade III Class A hospitals. By harnessing market competition, we can drive overall improvements in the quality of domestic medical devices and continuously enhance their performance. Miao Wei, Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, pointed out that China’s medical device industry has experienced sustained, rapid growth in recent years, with the industry’s scale steadily expanding. A comprehensive industrial system has taken shape—characterized by complete specialized categories, a fully integrated industrial chain, and a continually optimized product structure. By the end of 2013, the total sales revenue of enterprises above designated size had reached 328.7 billion yuan, representing an average annual growth rate of 27% since the start of the Eleventh Five-Year Plan. Miao Wei noted that nearly all commonly used, high‑volume clinical medical devices have now been localized, and breakthroughs have been made in the research, development, and production of several high‑end medical devices. Miao Wei stated that, to further boost the development of the domestic medical device industry, a proactive incentive mechanism for the use of domestically produced medical devices will be established. Miao Wei revealed that, for large-scale equipment developed independently in China—not limited to medical devices—he plans to explore the establishment of a liability insurance scheme specifically designed to support the localization of the first units of major equipment. According to Miao Wei, the China Insurance Regulatory Commission will introduce a new type of insurance policy: participating companies would only need to bear a small portion of the premiums, while the central government would cover the vast majority—estimated to exceed two-thirds—thereby promoting the wider adoption and deployment of the first units and initial batches of domestically produced large-scale equipment. In addition, in May of this year, the National Health and Family Planning Commission issued a notice entrusting the China Medical Equipment Association with launching the selection process for the first batch of outstanding domestically produced medical devices. The selection will encompass three categories: instruments and equipment, medical devices, and consumables. Zhu Qingsheng, Chairman of the China Medical Equipment Association, announced that the list of the first batch of excellent domestically produced devices will soon be released. A second round of selections for outstanding domestic devices is also scheduled to take place in the second half of the year.

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29

2020-07

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