SCALING UP IN CHINA

Shanghai, China

The development of a healthy China is central to the Chinese government’s agenda for health and development. To formalise this vision, the Chinese government has set an explicit national political priority with the approval of ‘Healthy China 2030’ – a medium- to long-term strategic plan for the development of the healthcare sector.

HEALTHY CHINA REQUIRES HEALTHY CITIES

China faces many health challenges, including rising rates of diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease linked to risk factors such as smoking, an ageing population and unhealthy lifestyle. A key component of Healthy China 2030 is the promotion of healthy lifestyles and physical fitness, including the development of healthy cities, to ensure a greater focus on prevention rather than treatment.

A NATIONAL CITIES CHANGING DIABETES DECLARATION

Cities Changing Diabetes has been at the forefront of promoting thinking about healthy urban living and the prevention and management of urban diabetes. The programme has leveraged the insights and experience gained in each of the cities and developed a National Cities Changing Diabetes Declaration. The declaration went live to all cities in China at the end of 2018 and has drawn a wide response. Today, with six cities participating, China is the country with the most cities engaged in the programme.