Canada and China Renew Plan of Action for Cooperation in Health for 2009-2011

News Release
2009-94
June 18, 2009
For immediate release

OTTAWA - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, and Dr. Chen Zhu, Minister of Health for the People's Republic of China, today signed a Plan of Action for continued cooperation between the two countries on health priorities of mutual concern. The signing ceremony followed discussions among senior Canadian and Chinese health officials and experts on a range of health issues, including strengthening and reform of health-care systems, primary health care and food safety.

"Canada and China have a lot to offer each other in terms of research, regulations and expertise on health-related issues," said Minister Aglukkaq. "The continued sharing of knowledge and insights in priority areas will contribute to the improved health and safety of citizens in both countries."

Canada and China are already cooperating on a number of health-related fronts, including regulation of health products and medical research. Today's signing reinforces and broadens work in areas of common concern, such as emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and food safety.

"China and Canada have a history of longstanding cooperation in health," said Minister Chen. "This 2009-2011 Plan of Action is a symbol of the commitment between Canada and China to continue to cooperate on mutual health issues and challenges to ensure the better health of our future generations."

The document being signed today builds on the 2005 to 2008 Plan of Action which promoted cooperation between Canada and China in several areas, including:

• The timely sharing of information on emerging infectious diseases, such as the H1N1 influenza virus; and
• A better understanding of regulatory frameworks in the area of therapeutic products and Natural Health Products -- including Traditional Chinese Medicines -- to help ensure the safety and quality of these products.

The new Plan of Action also advances the 1995 Memorandum of Understanding relating to health cooperation, and the abilities of Canada and China to further protect and promote health in their respective countries.

The Ministers also discussed their support for ongoing educational collaboration, including the Canada-China Norman Bethune Research Scholarships programs, led by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. These activities help young Canadian and Chinese researchers work together on health issues affecting people in both countries. The Norman Bethune program allows Chinese students to pursue graduate studies with health researchers in Canada.

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health (left), and Dr. Chen Zhu, Minister of Health for the People's Republic of China (right), pose together in Ottawa, Thursday, June 18, 2009, after having signed a Plan of Action for continued cooperation between the two countries on health priorities of mutual concern.

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Simplified Chinese version (PDF version - 72 k)

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