Dr. Lance Rodewald, Senior Immunization Advisor at China CDC, Receives the 2023 Chinese Government Friendship Award

On the afternoon of May 30th, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, represented by H.E. Minister Wang Xiaoping, awarded the 2023 Chinese Government Friendship Award to Dr. Lawrence Everett Rodewald, Senior Advisor of the National Immunization Program, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC). Dr. Rodewald, an esteemed American expert widely known as Lance, received the medal and certificate at the ceremony, which was also attended by Prof. Shen Hongbing, director general of China CDC, who delivered a speech.

 

Dr. Rodewald shared his heartfelt sentiments in his acceptance speech, " Being called a friend of China is deeply meaningful to me. The opportunity to work in China CDC, with its deep integrity, side by side with Chinese scientists is a major, unforgettable privilege. The knowledge I've gained from my colleagues surpasses what I have taught them. During my 12 years of living and working in China, I have felt welcomed and valued every second of the 12 years I’ve been living and working in China. This nomination and subsequent award also reflect the kindness that is always shown to me by everyone I’ve had the pleasure to meet and work with."

 

Prof. Shen, representing China CDC, remarked, "Dr. Rodewald is the ninth foreign expert endorsed by the China CDC to be honored with this distinction. This award not only reflects the Ministry's support for national public health endeavors but also acknowledges the Chinese government and the people's deep appreciation for Dr. Rodewald's dedication to advancing disease control and prevention work in China. China CDC will continue to encourage and strengthen the exchange of high-end talents between China and the world, improve our strategies for attracting international expertise, and enhance the positive role of foreign experts in promoting universal health coverage and building a global community of health for humanity."