The 'Building a Healthy South, Deepening Health Cooperation' Global South Think Tanks Dialogue Health Sub-forum is Convened in Xiamen

Xiamen, November 2nd – The Global South Think Tanks Dialogue Health Sub-forum, under the theme 'Building a Healthy South, Deepening Health Cooperation,' convened this afternoon in Xiamen. The event witnessed a gathering of esteemed personalities including Academician Zhang Yun of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Ding Wenchao, Deputy Director of the Research Office of International Department, Central Committee of CPC, and Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese Council of the BRICS Think Tank Cooperation; and Zhang Guoan, Deputy Director of the Fujian Provincial Health Commission, among others.

This significant forum, a joint venture between the Chinese Council of the BRICS Think Tank Cooperation and the People's Government of Fujian Province, was efficiently managed and executed by Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital Xiamen University (XMCH).

Highlighting the event, Ding Wenchao elucidated the importance of building a global community of health for humanity, a concept deeply aligned with global aspirations for peace and development and reflective of China's substantial contributions to global health. The launch of the 'Heart Sapling' Visiting Scholar Program by XMCH, aimed at fostering talent and deepening health cooperation, marked a significant milestone in this initiative.

In a poignant video message, Martin Taylor, WHO Representative in China, underscored the foundational role of health in achieving sustainable development goals. He emphasized the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to global health and the imperative need for robust health investments and strengthened health systems.

A notable part of the forum was the emphasis on Fujian's unique geographical and economic position, as described by Zhang Guoan. He drew attention to the province's expanding international connections, particularly highlighting the deepening cooperation between XMCH and Mecejana Hospital in Fortaleza, Brazil.

The forum proudly hosted the inauguration of the 'Heart Sapling' Visiting Scholar Program. This initiative, first announced in 2022, aims to combat the global shortage of cardiovascular specialists by annually training 15-20 foreign cardiologists in Xiamen. To date, the program has attracted interest from various countries, underscoring its global impact and relevance.

Throughout the year, XMCH has welcomed over 150 international visitors from more than fifty countries, demonstrating its commitment to global health cooperation and expertise exchange.

Inauguration of the Heart Sapling Visiting Scholar Program

Representing the first cohort of participants, Dr. Ricardo Menjivar from El Salvador delivered a speech during the opening ceremony. He expressed profound gratitude for the support from the Chinese government and the learning opportunities provided by the Heart Sapling Visiting Scholar Program. Dr. Menjivar lauded the advanced technology and professional spirit of the Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital Xiamen University (XMCH). He shared that the interactions with local doctors and technicians have been immensely beneficial and looked forward to the program’s expansion to more countries.

Collaborative Strategies and Consensus Building

During the discussion and exchange segment, prominent speakers such as Zhao Baige, Chairperson of the Research and Development International Think Tank Expert Committee; Zhang Yun, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Gan Ge, Deputy Director of the Health Development Research Center of the National Health Commission; Oleg Rummo, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus; Carlos Santos, Director of Mecejana Hospital in Fortaleza, Ceará State, Brazil; and Atul Dalakoti, Executive Director of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, shared their insights around the theme.

Zhao Baige pointed out the three key aspects of Global South cooperation in healthcare: sharing global health resources, strengthening global disease control, and promoting medical research and talent cultivation. She emphasized the ongoing trends in the healthcare industry, including youth orientation, preventive consumption, and digital transformation, and suggested the development of new medical quality standards and the use of digitalization and AI in healthcare.

Zhang Yun highlighted the global challenge posed by cardiovascular diseases, especially in low and middle-income countries. He advocated for primary and secondary prevention strategies and stressed the importance of health education to enhance public health awareness.

Gan Ge looked back at the evolution of the Health Silk Road, underscoring its significance in advancing global health cooperation. He advocated for stronger global health governance and deeper collaboration with international organizations.

Oleg Rummo briefly introduced the significant achievements of the Minsk Surgical, Transplant, and Hematology Science Practice Center in organ transplantation and complex surgeries. He expressed the center's openness to international collaboration and keen interest in training programs and further cooperation with more international partners, including BRICS nations.

Carlos Santos discussed the geographic position, economic development, and medical achievements of Ceará State, particularly Mecejana Hospital's leading role in cardiovascular and pulmonary treatments. He highlighted the potential and prospects for medical collaboration with XMCH and the hospital's participation in the Heart Sapling Visiting Scholar Program in 2024.

Atul Dalakoti emphasized the importance of cooperation among southern countries in the health sector, noting the significant role of BRICS nations in global growth. He appreciated the technical and innovative achievements of XMCH and proposed collaboration and knowledge sharing to address challenges posed by cardiovascular diseases.

Wang Yan, President of XMCH, introduced the practices of the BRICS Cardiovascular Health Innovation Center in deepening global health cooperation. The center, focused on the cardiovascular health needs of BRICS countries, has been instrumental in providing international cardiovascular health services, fostering talent, and promoting academic exchange.

Concluding the Global South Think Tanks Dialogue, President Wang Yan reported the forum’s outcomes, highlighting the significance of cardiovascular health for the Global South. He expressed a commitment to elevate global cardiovascular health levels through the BRICS Cardiovascular Health Innovation Center, envisioning a collaborative journey with the Global South members to forge a high-quality development blueprint and a stronger partnership. Wang Yan looked forward to embarking on a new journey from Xiamen, fulfilling new missions, and contributing significantly to building a global community of health for humanity.