On March 9, Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) held a virtual meeting to discuss the preparations for the second Global Health Forum. Margaret Chan, Former WHO Director-General and President of Global Health Forum of Boao Forum for Asia, spoke highly of China's fight against the new coronary pneumonia epidemic.

Chen said that the tremendous efforts and sacrifice made by the Chinese government and the Chinese people in the prevention and control of the new coronary pneumonia epidemic, and the great contribution made to global public health security have set a new benchmark for the world, which is worth learning by other countries. Recently, a joint China-WHO mission report recognized that China has taken rapid and effective measures to successfully contain the epidemic, prevent disease and save lives, winning 4-6 weeks of valuable time for other countries to prepare for the epidemic. China's strong nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic has brought the epidemic under control since late February and has shown a steady decline and positive trend, creating the conditions for economic recovery "with one hand to combat the epidemic and the other to resume work and production in an orderly manner.

Chan suggested that with the accelerated spread of the new coronary pneumonia epidemic, the government should monitor the global trend of the epidemic, adjust the prevention and control strategy and prevent imported cases, as well as adjust economic expectations and forecasts, and make more comprehensive plans and arrangements in finance and resource.

Chan indicated that the discussion of the new pneumonia epidemic would definitely become a hot topic in the global health and economic conferences this year. The 2nd Global Health Forum, to be held in Qingdao this June, will be the first comprehensive international conference in the health field after the outbreak of the new coronary pneumonia epidemic, and will be a platform for exchange and cooperation between government, business, academia and research, which will receive worldwide attention. Based on the established themes and topics, the conference will be also adjusted to the latest situation. The conference will include macro issues such as global governance in health, international cooperation in addressing major health threats, the relationship between national security and public health, the relationship between economic development and public health, and international cooperation in disaster relief; as well as technical and professional issues such as the experience and lessons learned from the new coronary pneumonia epidemic, challenges in promoting the International Health Regulations, timely release of information on new cases, prevention and control measures, prevention and control of infections in health care workers, experience in treating patients, international cooperation in vaccines and drugs, social governance, psychological counselling, public opinion guidance, elimination of prejudice and how to deal with rumors.

Chan said that the second Global Health Forum of Boao Forum for Asia will be held in Qingdao in mid-June as scheduled. At the same time, the conference will assess the risks, including the impact of international epidemic development on holding the conference, and make corresponding plans and preparations. She has contacted the members of the expert committee of the conference, most of whom are experts serving WHO or serving public health sectors in various countries and have recently been personally involved in the prevention and control of epidemics. Their rich experience will bring more professional and comprehensive opinions on the topics and schedule of the second forum.