Beijing, June 1: On the occasion of International Children’s Day, China’s National Health Commission announced significant advancements in child health during a press conference held on Monday. These improvements are part of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025).
According to the Commission, by 2025, the infant mortality rate in China is expected to decrease to 3.5 per thousand, while the mortality rate for children under five will drop to 5.4 per thousand. With these achievements, China has positioned itself among the leading countries in child health within the medium and high-income categories globally.
The press conference highlighted that China has accelerated the establishment of a coordinated and interconnected child health service network, covering both urban and rural areas. By the end of 2025, the country will have 4,845 secondary and tertiary public general hospitals, along with 40,000 primary healthcare institutions capable of providing pediatric services. This expansion has significantly improved access to health services for children.
Moreover, serious congenital disorders such as neural tube defects and Down syndrome have been effectively controlled. There has also been a notable reduction in the transmission of diseases from mothers to children. The vaccination rate for children in the designated age group under the national immunization program remains above 90%. Continuous improvements have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of severe childhood illnesses, including leukemia and solid tumors, enhancing the protection of children’s health.
The National Health Commission further stated that during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), China will continue to prioritize health development. This period will focus on strengthening the overall system of child health services, encompassing prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and management.
Additionally, special emphasis will be placed on “safe childbirth, nutrition, and healthy development,” aiming to bolster a comprehensive health service system for children from birth through adolescence, ensuring ongoing improvements in child health standards.
(Source: China Media Group, Beijing)
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