China beats global average in tackling TB cases

Wang Jianwei, director general of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said that in China the number of new pulmonary TB cases has consistently ranked the second-highest among all major infectious diseases, and drug-resistant TB infections remain a challenge.

China released an action plan last year aimed at further reducing TB incidence rates, maintaining a low death rate, and reducing the financial burden on patients by 2030.

Wang said that the China CDC will advance research into novel diagnostic technologies to speed up the diagnosis of new TB cases, especially those resistant to regular treatment regimens, and strive for breakthroughs in developing new vaccines.

Additionally, Wang called for intensified efforts in active screening and preventive treatment, particularly among the elderly, students and other high-risk groups. He suggested leveraging big data and artificial intelligence to build smart surveillance and early warning systems.

"Education campaigns aimed at improving awareness and health literacy should also be rolled out," Wang said, adding that it is important to exchange experiences in tackling TB with the rest of the world.

Zhou Wenbo contributed to this story.