Training Workshop on Emerging and Re-emerging Parasitic Disease Detection and Research Capacity Enhancement, Empowered by New Quality Productive Forces, Successfully Held in Suzhou

From June 29 to July 1, 2026, the “Training Workshop on Emerging and Re-emerging Parasitic Disease Detection and Research Capacity Enhancement, Empowered by New Quality Productive Forces” was held in Suzhou, hosted by the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, China CDC. Young research backbone personnel from disease control institutions across multiple provinces and municipalities nationwide attended the training.

The opening ceremony was hosted by Shen Yujuan, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Education of the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, China CDC. Wang Haitao, Director of the Suzhou Municipal CDC, delivered a welcome speech. Drawing on Suzhou’s role as a key gateway in the Yangtze River Delta, he analyzed current challenges in infectious disease control and reviewed the historic achievements in eliminating schistosomiasis and other key parasitic diseases in Suzhou. Zheng Bin, Deputy Director of the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, China CDC, emphasized the importance of building research capacity among grassroots CDC staff. Citing malaria and filariasis prevention as examples, he shared experience in empowering disease control through scientific research, noting that research is key to solving frontline challenges and unleashing the intrinsic motivation of the workforce.

Focusing on the core goal of “research-driven disease control”, the workshop featured a curriculum covering the full research life cycle. Multiple industry experts led sessions on grant proposal writing, cohort study design, academic writing in Chinese and English, standard system development, and public health ethics to strengthen participants’ theoretical foundations. Advanced modules included AI-driven public health data mining and intelligent infectious disease early warning. Concurrent sessions covered detection and diagnostic techniques for emerging parasitic diseases such as amoebiasis, trypanosomiasis, and kala-azar. A visit to a science museum enriched the learning experience. Using a flipped classroom model, participants worked in groups on case studies and project presentations, with on-site expert feedback to reinforce learning through practice.

The training both empowered grassroots CDC staff and created a cross-regional exchange platform. The National Institute of Parasitic Diseases will continue to leverage its national-level institutional strengths to develop high-quality training programs, ensuring a skilled workforce for parasitic disease control in China.