China CDC and National Institute of Health of Colombia Hold First Virtual Meeting

At the start of the meeting, the two sides introduced the overall profile, core functions and key areas of work of their respective institutions. They then gave thematic presentations on two main topics, public health surveillance systems and emergency preparedness and response, and shared practical experience in infectious disease surveillance, risk analysis, emergency response and public health research.

Deputy Director Li noted that, in the face of multiple global challenges such as emerging infectious diseases and noncommunicable diseases, strengthening cooperation is essential. Although China CDC and INS are far apart geographically, they share a common mission. He said that China CDC is ready to work with INS to carry out practical cooperation in disease surveillance, emergency response and laboratory capacity building so as to improve public health security together. Director Pava agreed and said that INS looks forward to establishing a close partnership with China CDC.

In the discussion session, drawing on the presentations, the two sides held active and constructive exchanges on potential future areas and priorities for cooperation and stated that they would pursue practical cooperation in fields of mutual interest. The meeting built a direct channel of communication between the national public health institutions of the two countries and marked the formal start of their collaboration.