China targets 2030 for surveillance network covering over 15 respiratory pathogens

BEIJING, July 27 (Xinhua) -- China plans to build a surveillance network for respiratory infectious diseases covering more than 15 pathogens by 2030, as part of efforts to advance a health-first strategy and strengthen the country's public health capacity.

The country will also step up immunization for key populations, including the elderly and children, improve health management in high-risk settings and enhance preparedness for potential outbreaks of emerging respiratory infectious diseases, according to a five-year plan released on Monday by the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration.

The plan, covering the 2026-2030 period, aims to modernize the country's public health system and strengthen its ability to detect and respond to potential disease outbreaks.

To combat insect-borne infectious diseases, the plan prioritizes environmental management, routine mosquito control, and effective prevention of the risks associated with imported dengue fever and malaria.

For blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections, it calls for enhanced testing, surveillance and standardized treatment to curb new infections and strengthen the immunization barrier against viral hepatitis.

At the institutional level, China will accelerate the development of national and regional public health centers, while advancing pilot programs for disease control consortia in cities, according to the plan.

The new document places a strong emphasis on personnel and technology. More cross-disciplinary professionals will be trained, and efforts will accelerate digital transformation and the application of intelligent technologies in disease control.

Additionally, China plans to expand global surveillance for epidemic information. Regular and reserve epidemiological investigation teams totaling approximately 77,000 personnel are expected to be in place by 2030.