In tackling the challenges presented by pandemics, our response strategies must show resilience, inclusivity, and diversity. They should swiftly address immediate threats while ensuring that the response is lawful, scientific, standardized, and orderly. On November 5th, the Panel II of the 3rd World Health Forum unfolded, consisting of two sessions: "Strategy for Pandemic Response" and "Medical Response and Social Engagement." The aim was to delve into establishing a more robust, inclusive, and diversified global response strategy for better solutions to infectious disease pandemics and global health issues.

Strategy for Pandemic Response

The first session, centering on "Strategy for Pandemic Response," was led by Huang Cunrui, Associate Dean and Professor of VSPH. Hu Guang, director of the Emergency Response Department of the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, kicked off the session with a keynote speech. He underscored that the COVID-19 pandemic stands as the most severe public health emergency in nearly a century, impacting global economic development and human health profoundly. To address the impending pandemics, global cooperation is imperative. China, through reforms, is committed to building a robust public health system, harnessing the strength of communities, social organizations, and government departments to advance the construction of a healthier China. Furthermore, China pledges collaboration with the international community to actively promote the formulation of a pandemic convention, enhance global capabilities for pandemic prevention, and contribute to promoting pandemic prevention and improving global health.

Nils Chr. Stenseth, professor from the University of Oslo, addressed the prevention of local pandemics from escalating into global crises based on his biological background. He advocated for the protection of the health not only of individual countries and regions but of all humanity. He emphasized maintaining certain policy commitments during non-pandemic periods, such as establishing a permanent platform for fair access to diagnosis, treatment, and vaccines.

Gong Peng, vice president of the University of Hong Kong, stressed the necessity of a global perspective, stating that collaboration across all sectors of society and humanity is indispensable. He suggested providing developing countries with tools for planning and decision-making, sharing innovative technologies, and helping them gain more practical experience.

Bernhard Schwartländer, former chef de Cabinet and assistant director-general of the World Health Organization, drew on his WHO experience, advocating for public learning from past experiences in pandemic prevention and response. Given the current global instability, he emphasized the weakened collaboration achieved during the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and stressed the need for a common language, with health being one of the few shared focal points.

Gordon G Liu, dean of the Institute for Global Health and Development at Peking University, underscored the importance of data in the era of informatization for medical innovation. He proposed establishing a universal value-based, transparent, and courageous data-sharing platform, emphasizing its crucial role in global innovation and benefiting everyone. Following the keynote speeches, Associate Professor Xu Lei of VSPH moderated the discussion session.

Medical Response and Social Engagement

The second session, exploring "Medical Response and Social Engagement," was skillfully led by John Ji, associate professor of VSPH. Lv Xin, co-founder of the Flowminer Foundation and deputy director of the Emergency Management and Intelligent Decision-making Key Laboratory in Hunan Province, shared insights on "Mobile Data Computation for the Prevention and Control of Public Health Emergencies." He highlighted the importance of big data in risk assessment, disease simulation, monitoring public feedback on different measures, and policy evaluation.

Zou Xiaoguang, deputy director of the Health Commission of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, shed light on the local development of health care and disease prevention. Given the vast area of Xinjiang, he emphasized the significance of a flattened command system and the prominent role of remote technology, big data, and artificial intelligence. He also stressed the importance of establishing joint prevention and control mechanisms with neighboring countries, such as remote coordination, online seminars, and joint drills, to formulate common pandemic prevention and control strategies for Xinjiang and the Central Asian region.

Detlev Ganten, founding president of the World Health Summit and co-founder of the Board of Trustees of the Virchow Foundation, addressed the need to confront and adapt to a complex and challenging future. He proposed a novel "Health=f(Biology+Lifestyle+Environment)" formula, underscoring the importance of more open collaboration on global data, making it accessible and continually improving it as the foundation of health science and a key to health.

Zeng Xiaopeng, head of the Beijing Municipal Administration of Disease Prevention and Control and director of the Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, shared practical experiences and reflections on dealing with respiratory infectious diseases in super-large cities. He outlined the work and future goals of infectious disease monitoring and warning in Beijing and presented steps for further improving pandemic preparedness in the city, including strengthening monitoring and warning capabilities, enhancing the efficiency of emergency response, elevating scientific research standards, and promoting global cooperation and development.

During the discussion session, Detlev Ganten encouraged young professionals, stating, "You are the ones shaping the future. You can start making an impact from influential places, whether it be with your family, friends, or university. By creating your own world in this small sphere, you will possess leadership and influence. Starting from here, you will gain more courage and influence more people."

This comprehensive forum brought together a diverse range of perspectives and insights to address the multifaceted challenges of pandemics, emphasizing the importance of global collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation in formulating effective strategies for the future.