Belt and Road Forum for TCM Development

A recording of these remarks can be found on YouTube and Tencent.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

Today, I stand before you to underscore the critical importance of health and well-being, particularly prevention and the concept of universal health coverage, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 3. 

Good health is undeniably the cornerstone of a successful and happy life. Sadly, millions of people worldwide suffer as a result of poor healthcare systems and limited access to important medical treatments. Despite this barrier, the merging of traditional and modern medicine offers a ray of hope for addressing some of the most vexing public health concerns.

Without a doubt, prevention is the key to a healthier society. We can reduce our chances of becoming a victim of many diseases and ailments by taking preventative actions. This is where universal health coverage comes into play. It ensures that everyone, regardless of economic status or geographic location, has access to high-quality healthcare and preventive measures. We can improve individual health outcomes while also contributing to our society's general well-being by introducing universal health coverage.

When contemplating the merging of traditional and modern medicine, one intriguing feature that emerges is their potential synergy. Traditional medicine has been passed down through centuries and is strongly entrenched in ancient civilizations and wisdom. It has a variety of information on herbal medicines, natural healing procedures, and holistic health approaches. We can unleash innovative answers to long-standing public health concerns by combining these traditional approaches with contemporary medicine.

In 1971, there was a breakthrough in malaria remedies, when China’s Tu Youyou read about the use of sweet wormwood to treat fevers in traditional Chinese medical literature. This led her team to isolate the compound artemisinin, which has become the “backbone” of malaria treatment.

Consider the escalating problem of antibiotic resistance. This global hazard has rendered many traditional medical therapies ineffective against certain diseases. However, by thoroughly researching ancient healing techniques, we may identify natural alternatives to disease treatment that do not contribute to antibiotic resistance. Such confluence enables us to view public health through a broader lens, incorporating the best of both disciplines and reinventing preventative and treatment strategies.

Furthermore, combining traditional and modern treatment encourages cultural diversity and inclusivity across healthcare systems. By recognizing and adopting traditional medicine, we appreciate other groups' cultural past while also expanding our understanding of health and well-being. This fosters a closer link between patients and healthcare professionals by creating a sense of belonging and empowering individuals to take ownership of their own health.

The World Health Organization has said, "When scientifically validated, traditional medicine has the potential to bridge healthcare access gaps for millions around the world,”

Finally, emphasizing health and well-being through prevention and universal health coverage is a critical step toward reaching SDG 3. We may embrace an inclusive approach that harnesses the wisdom of our forefathers and the advances of modern science by bringing traditional and modern medicine together. This convergence offers the opportunity to address long-standing public health issues, enhance health outcomes, and develop a sense of empowerment. Let us join together to push for a future in which health and well-being are widely accessible to all. 

Thank you very much.