Child Environmental Health Course Series and Online Section Officially Launched

On 22 August 2025, the Child Environmental Health Course Series and the Environment and Child Health online section were officially launched at the Fifth China Conference on Environment and Health (CCEH 2025) in Hangzhou. The launch ceremony was chaired by Professor Qu Weidong of Fudan University. Wang Lin, Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), outlined the background and significance of both the course series and the online section. Dr Chang Mai and Mr Sun Hui from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Director Wang Lin, Professor Zheng Yuxin from Qingdao University, Professor Zhang Jun from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Researcher Wang Qiang from the National Institute of Environmental Health jointly took part in the launch.

The course series is based on the global curriculum developed by UNICEF and the World Health Organization and has been adapted to the Chinese context. It consists of ten lessons that cover key areas such as chemicals, WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), climate change, air pollution and electronic waste, and also address the role of pediatric environmental history in clinical diagnosis and treatment. The courses are intended for health care and public health workers at all levels, medical students and health administrators. They are available free of charge for online study through the National Continuing Medical Education platform (https://www.ncme.org.cn) and the Environment and Child Health section of the National Institute of Environmental Health website (https://cehi.niehs.cn/).

The Environment and Child Health online section, launched at the same time, is an important outcome of cooperation between the National Administration of Disease Control and Prevention and UNICEF. It comprises three main modules: public science information for the general public, reference materials for professionals and indicators on child environmental health. Together, these modules help to build a promotion system for child environmental health that links public education, professional reference and policy support.

The launch of the course series and the online section aims to strengthen awareness and response capacity across society regarding environmental health risks faced by children. It is an important practical measure within the Healthy China Child Environmental Health Promotion Action.

Launch ceremony chaired by Professor Qu Weidong of Fudan University, with Director Wang Lin of the National Institute of Environmental Health introducing the Child Environmental Health Course Series[Photo/chinacdc.cn]

Official launch of the Child Environmental Health Course Series and the online section at the main venue of the Fifth China Conference on Environment and Health (CCEH 2025)[Photo/chinacdc.cn]

Experts delivering lectures as part of the Child Environmental Health Course Series[Photo/chinacdc.cn]