WHO China rep: China has made 'great progress' in advancing public health

China has made "great progress" in improving population health, expanding healthcare coverage and strengthening public health services, said Martin Taylor, World Health Organization (WHO) representative to China, in an interview with CGTN's Health Talk.

China's average life expectancy has risen to more than 79 years, while basic medical insurance covers over 95% of the population, he added.

China should continue to strengthen primary healthcare while encouraging people to adopt healthier lifestyles, Taylor told CGTN. He said these efforts are increasingly important as China works to address chronic diseases and an aging population.

Taylor also highlighted the potential of integrating technologies such as artificial intelligence into health system planning to help improve and expand access to health services.

He said the WHO will continue to work with China on implementing the Healthy China 2030 agenda and supporting cooperation with other countries, especially through South-South collaboration.