China to strengthen measures against infectious diseases

China aims to enhance its capacity to prevent and mitigate infectious disease epidemic risks and establish an efficient and agile surveillance and early warning system for infectious diseases by 2030, according to a national plan for disease control during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–30).

The nation also strives for substantial upgrades in key areas, including risk assessment, targeted prevention and control strategies, emergency response, medical treatment capabilities, and the supply reserve system for critical materials, as well as breakthroughs in public health research and talent development, the plan jointly released by the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration and six other government departments said.

By 2030, the country is expected to be better prepared to tackle emerging and acute infectious disease epidemics, effectively control the risks of key infectious diseases, and curb the harm caused by major diseases.

The plan highlights a series of measures to prevent and control major infectious diseases, including respiratory infectious diseases, vector-borne diseases, blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections, and zoonotic diseases.

Regarding respiratory infectious diseases, it stresses the establishment of a surveillance network covering more than 15 types of such pathogens. The plan calls for strengthened health management at schools, nursery care facilities, elderly care homes, and other key venues.

It also prioritizes curbing the spread of COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus infection, chickenpox, and whooping cough.

To stem the spread of vector-borne diseases, the plan calls for fully implementing routine prevention and control efforts at major port cities, provinces with large labor-exporting populations, and international trade hubs, while stepping up efforts to mitigate the importation risks of dengue fever, chikungunya fever, and malaria.