Introduction of WHO in China

Welcome to the China Office web site of the World Health Organization.

China has been a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) for more than 60 years - since the organization's inception on April 7, 1948. WHO has been working closely with the Government of China to improve the health and well-being of the people of China.

Our office is located in Beijing, China, where we have a great team of technical, professional and administrative staff.

We work with the Government of China and partners to ensure greater health opportunities for the people.

China's health care reform plan aims to provide universal health care coverage by 2020. Reducing regional disparities in public health care is one of key objectives of China’s 12th Five Year Plan (2011-2015).

China Ministry of Health and WHO's Western Area Health Initiative (2011-2015) aims to reduce health inequity and build better lives in western China, targeting the most vulnerable communities.

We work with the Government of China and partners to sustain past gains while preparing for those yet to come.

An outbreak of poliomyelitis resulting from an importation of poliovirus into China was successfully contained in 2011, thanks to extraordinary effort and collaboration among the Ministry of Health of China, WHO and other partners. China has made considerable progress on major disease control, with the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2012, and the continuing substantial development of the public health system after SARS in 2003.

Great achievements have also been made towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), with all goals either achieved, or on target to be achieved by 2015.

With WHO technical support, China has actively engaged in cross-border cooperation especially in joint response to health security threats. China-Africa collaboration in health has been well praised by the international community.

We continue to improve our ability to meet the public health challenges of tomorrow.

Looking forward, beyond 2013, WHO collaboration with China for 2013-2015 has four strategic priorities.

• Strengthen health systems towards universal health coverage and access to care.
• Reduce morbidity and mortality from major diseases of public health importance and from risks to health security.
• Reduce inequalities in health in the western region of China through sub-national public health action on strengthening health systems, and major disease prevention and control.
• Contribute to strengthening global health through supporting the collaboration of China in the global health arena.

We hope you find this website useful. It provides valuable information on the work of the World Health Organization in China.