Australia–China Foundation Project Delegation Visits the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention

On May 15, a delegation from the Australia–China Foundation Project visited the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC). The delegation was led by Professor Wenbiao Hu from Queensland University of Technology and included Dr. Ian George Barr, Deputy Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza (Melbourne), as well as experts from Queensland Health, the University of Canberra, the Australian National University, and Queensland University of Technology. Alexander Chapman, First Secretary of the Australian Embassy in Beijing, also participated in the visit. The exchange was coordinated by Researcher Wang Liping, Deputy Director of the Division of Infectious Disease Control and project lead for the Australia–China collaboration. Representatives from the Department of International Cooperation and the National Influenza Center at the Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention attended the meeting.

 

 

During the visit, both sides held in-depth discussions on their respective work areas and key experiences in infectious disease prevention and control. Topics included influenza surveillance and control in China, avian influenza monitoring in Australia, and strategies for future risk prevention. Constructive suggestions were made for enhancing bilateral cooperation in infectious disease surveillance and early warning and for establishing a long-term, effective communication platform. After the meeting, the delegation, accompanied by Researcher Wang Liping, toured the Influenza Laboratory at the Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention and the Vector Biology Exhibition Hall at the Institute for Infectious Disease Control.

 

China CDC and its Australian partners have established a solid foundation for cooperation in infectious disease surveillance and early warning. Looking ahead, both sides see broad prospects for collaboration and plan to deepen joint efforts through the continued implementation of Australia–China Foundation projects. These efforts will leverage the respective strengths of both parties to advance applied research and develop new technologies and methodologies in infectious disease monitoring and early warning. The two sides also reached a consensus on strengthening capacity building. Through professional training and reciprocal visits, they aim to enhance the expertise and skills of researchers in this field and broaden their international perspectives.