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The 2026 International Exchange on Women and Children's Health

From October 23 to 26, 2026, Boao, a city in Hainan Province, witnessed an important gathering focused on women and children's health. The event, titled the 2026 International Exchange on Women and Children's Health, attracted more than 170 representatives from government health agencies, international organizations, and the health sector from various parts of Asia and Africa.

An Event of Significant Importance

Under the theme "Digital Intelligence Empowering Women and Children's Health -- Sharing a Healthier Future," the conference placed emphasis on deepening South-South cooperation, enhancing exchanges, and promoting mutual learning between China and ASEAN countries as well as with African nations. It aimed to support health-related goals for women and children, aligning with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The event not only served as a dialogue platform for professionals in women and child health from China and abroad, but it also explored new avenues for collaboration.

According to Gao Xinpu, Deputy Director of the Health Commission of Hainan Province, Hainan aims to leverage its unique position as a free trade port to act as a bridge for practical collaboration regarding women and children’s health between China and other regions.

Prominent Voices in Health

Xu Zongyu, Director of the National Center for Women and Children's Health under the National Health Commission, emphasized that the health of women and children is a vital indicator of social development. He called for deeper South-South cooperation and greater exchanges, urging the comprehensive utilization of the event's collaborative platform to integrate resources and share China’s practical experiences and applicable technologies with the Global South.

Nadia Rasheed, representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in China, highlighted the need for sustainable investments in health services to improve maternal and child health indicators. Li Nan, a women and child health expert at UNICEF's office in China, pointed out that China has developed replicable best practices in areas such as early childhood care that could serve as useful references for other countries.

Furthermore, Xu mentioned China’s plans to organize joint training programs for ASEAN and African countries, alongside initiating various cooperative projects aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes.

A Showcase of Innovations

The event also included an exhibition showcasing various technologies and products pertinent to mothers’ and children’s health, providing an opportunity for participants to explore innovative solutions in this critical field.

The 2026 International Exchange on Women and Children's Health was organized by the National Center for Women and Children's Health of the National Health Commission of China. This initiative represents a significant step towards collective efforts in advancing healthcare practices for women and children globally.

By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, the exchange aims to create a healthier future for women and children, rooted in international partnerships and mutual understanding. This platform underscores the importance of global solidarity in tackling health challenges and promoting well-being in vulnerable communities.

As the world looks towards enhancing health systems, events like this serve as catalysts for change, advocating for women's and children’s health and ensuring that the voices of those in need are heard and prioritized.