STORY: China's increasing participation in global healthcare a welcome sign: Pakistani expert
DATELINE: June 28, 2023
LENGTH: 00:03:35
LOCATION: Islamabad
CATEGORY: HEALTH

SHOTLIST:
1. various of city scenes in China
2. various of China's medical aid
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): SHIMAIL DAUD ARAIN, Pakistani public health specialist
4. various of vaccines
5. various of senior citizens in China
6. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): SHIMAIL DAUD ARAIN, Pakistani public health specialist
6. various of Chinese medical teams to other countries
7. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): SHIMAIL DAUD ARAIN, Pakistani public health specialist

STORYLINE:

China has been contributing to enhancing global health cooperation and sharing experience and resources in improving the healthcare system, said Shimail Daud Arain, an Islamabad-based public health specialist.

Arain highlighted the importance of global collaboration in overcoming the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He spoke positively about China's efforts in building a global community of health for all, especially when all countries were facing this global public health crisis.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): SHIMAIL DAUD ARAIN, Pakistani public health specialist
"I think COVID-19 was one of the life-changing, I would say, a global modifying pandemic, which challenged countries, nations and the world. And it actually brought together all the communities, countries, governments to really get together and try to reach out with each other.
This was a record time in which vaccinations were discovered. They were tested, and eventually they were executed. So I would agree that this (vision of building a global community of health for all) is the sort of approach the global leaders, that is required, that they work together, and they are able to work through these challenges."

China has made notable accomplishments in building a healthy China.

The average life expectancy, a key gauge of the health level of a country's residents, increased from 35 years in 1949 to 78.2 years in 2021 in China.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): SHIMAIL DAUD ARAIN, Pakistani public health specialist
"In terms of China, it is marvelous that the amount of money that is spent and the outcomes in health are a lot better. I would think that it is also the lifestyles but also judicious use of medicines, technology, and access. Health insurance now covers a maximum population, and access has increased, over the years, the quality of healthcare facilities, the sizes of hospitals, and the advent of technology. So I think that altogether, coupled with the lifestyle, has really brought a change in the Chinese public and increased life expectancies, and we see older people now living longer periods of life in a healthier way."

Arain said that China's commitment to healthcare extends far beyond its borders, especially for developing countries.

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): SHIMAIL DAUD ARAIN, Pakistani public health specialist
"China is obviously one of the leading economies. And with that, its participation in the global health arena in public health research is definitely forthcoming, it's a welcome sign. And I think that can definitely help a lot of the developing world.
China already has initiated, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). I think coupled with a focus on healthcare, this definitely not only spreads the message of peace and harmony, which is now also under the BRI, but also helps in creating an opportunity for these countries to learn from the experiences and the technology and the public health specialists coming from the Chinese medicine."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Islamabad.
(XHTV)