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Friendly International Cooperation
It is our consistent policy to develop energetic cooperation with friendly countries, the World Health Organization as well as other international organiza- tions with a view to promoting technical exchanges in the field of health.
In 1987, China's governmental health delegations visited over 20 countries in the five continents and signed a number of agreements on science and technology which have promoted bilateral official exchanges and cooperation.
During the past 25 years since 1963, China has, upon request, sent medical teams and accupuncture groups to over 60 countries and regions. Furthermore, Chinese doctors have been working in 4 countries as UN Volunteers, Up to now, the number of medical personnel working abroad has totalled to some 10000. They have treated some 170 million patients suffering from a variety of diseases. At present, over 1300 medical workers are still rendering services in 41 countries and regions. Borne firmly in minds the entrust of their motherland, the members of the Chinese teams have been serving the local people whole-heartedly by following the fine example of the Canadian doctor Norman Bathune and by displaying the spirit of internationalism and overcoming numerous difficulties. They have won extensive commends from the governments and the people they serve for their outstanding services. During their stay abroad, they have developed unshakable friendship with the local people and the medical personnel, thus, making a positive contribution to the development of medical services and to the promotion of friendship and understanding between China and those countries.
The technical cooperation between China and WHO has progressed rapidly since the signing of the Memorandum on medical cooperation and the Basic Agreement between the two parties in 1978 and 1982 respectively. During the past decade the World Health Organization has sponsored foreign experts to conduct about 200 training courses and lectureship in China while 48 Chinese medical and health research institutions have been designated as WHO collaborating centers which benefitted latter's technical input and other resources. At the same time 119 Chinese medical experts have been appointed as members of WHO various advisory panels. These members have played a positive role in promoting development of medical sciences through attending various technical meetings which total to over 50 annually,
The Chinese government attaches great importance to and fully endorses WHO's global strategic goal "Health for All by the Year 2000" and has been. doing her best to cooperate with WHO in this respect.
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The officia ad unofficial exchanges and cooperation have helped promote the friendship between Chinese people and medical workers and those of other countries and also facilitated the introduction of advanced foreign teg logy and equipment as well as the training of Chinese technical personnel.
At present, China is carrying out a reform in health field. Based on the analysis of the present situation and utilization of health resource, in light of the Chinese condition, preventive service and development of health manpower for the rural areas have been identified as the two most important strategies for a relatively long period of time to come. Efforts are also being made to ensure development of health services through legislation.
It is our hope to develop friendly cooperation with more countries on the basis. of principles of equality and mutual benefit, emphasis on practical results. diversification and common development", thereby making due contribution to the promotion of South-South cooperation and the realization of WHO's strate. gic goal "Health for All by the year 2000".
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