The 2021 Shenzhen Health Conference was held on the afternoon of September 29 in Futian, Shenzhen. About 300 participants, including government officials, academic experts and industry leaders, gathered under the theme of “Connecting and Sharing, Promoting Health For All”, to discuss and advise on ways to convert the post-pandemic challenges and opportunities into a more booming health industry and a healthier society.

Zhan Qimin, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering and Director of SZBL, spoke at the conference. In his keynote report titled Post-Pandemic Era: New Trends in China's Health Sector, Zhan Qimin talked about China’s response to the pandemic and thoughts on the reshaping of our science, technology and innovation (STI) perspectives in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis. He pointed out that China’s action in combating the virus is deemed effective and has provided valuable experience for the other countries. And importantly, he said, the epidemic has once again awoke people to the connections interwoven public health, national security, people’s livelihood and economic growth.

Zhan Qimin called for all medical undertakings go in tandem with times, with our knowledge of life and enhancement of health go hand in hand with our pursue of economic growth and national security. He also stressed on channeling an active circulation for basic, clinical and translational research, and creating a new paradigm that drive the dual development of core technologies and national strategies.

In the speech, Zhan Qimin specifically highlighted the increasing role of new digital technologies in cementing medical development and public health by drawing evidence from our using of big data, AI and cloud computing in pandemic surveillance, virus traceability, prevention and control, as well as resource allocation. From the perspective of medical research, Zhan said that technological innovation should serve as the core engine of all our endeavor. Deeper understandings on the pandemic and drug and vaccine R&D are critically demanded. Research mechanism, comprehensive clinical research project, medical care capacity and national-level research platform should be concertedly developed to prepare for any potential outbreaks. Zhan also said that continued efforts should be made to train and cultivate medical personnel; and that these people as the country’s core task force of health guardian as well as their contribution should be fully respected.

Virus respects no borders. And all human beings are bound to share weal and woe. In conclusion, Zhan called for joint efforts instead of isolation in fighting the virus, and improved mutual support to cope with risks and defend our shared homeland on the earth.