SCIO briefing on TCM's important role and a list of effective drugs in COVID-19 prevention and control
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E-mail China.org.cn, March 25, 2020
Bloomberg:
Which countries has China given advice to on TCM in the treatment of COVID-19? And have other countries used TCM in their treatment? What have the results been?
Yu Yanhong:
Thank you for your interest in the international cooperation regarding TCM. The public health crisis is a common challenge facing mankind, in which solidarity and cooperation are the most powerful weapons. After the COVID-19 outbreak, many countries and people gave selfless aid to China. People from different countries called out "Stay strong China, stay strong Wuhan," making us feel understanding, support and trust from beyond national borders. Now that the epidemic is breaking out at many locations in many countries, China is willing to cooperate with countries in need in the epidemic prevention and control with TCM and to provide aid within our capacity. The following works have so far been carried out:
First is sharing treatment experiences. We are actively cooperating with the WHO in a timely manner, sharing relevant information on the use of TCM in epidemic prevention and control, translating the latest Chinese versions of the COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment plan into English, putting the full text on the new media outlet of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and actively sharing it with other countries and regions in need. You can check these texts online at any time. These versions of the plan are the most valuable experiences obtained from the centralized management and treatment of tens of thousands of patients over a short period of time. This is indeed precious and the results are very clear. We have also provided technical solutions through remote video conferences for exchanges, and shared treatment experiences with Japan, South Korea, Italy, Iran, Singapore and other countries. For example, Professor Zhang Boli, Professor Liu Qingquan, and President Qiu Haibo, who sit with us today, have carried out several video conferences and international online exchanges. A few days ago, Mr. Zhang Boli connected and exchanged online with counterparts in the United States. Yesterday, Academician Tong Xiaolin also participated in a remote video consultation to check patients far away in Iran.
Second, we have donated TCM products. The donations of these products, such as Chinese patent medicines, prepared slices of Chinese crude drugs, and acupuncture needles, from relevant domestic organizations and institutions, have been delivered to more than ten countries and regions, including Italy, France, and China's Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. Since Mr. Zhang and Mr. Huang have detailed the issue, there is no need for me to repeat it.
Third, a number of TCM experts and practitioners have been selected to provide overseas medical assistance. We have noted that some experts have already headed to Italy and Cambodia to lend a hand in the fight against the virus. Based on my knowledge, some TCM experts have also kept close contact with their overseas counterparts, and the feedback has been positive.
Friends from the media, as an oriental wisdom formed in the practices of understanding, interpreting and revealing relations between life and death, TCM has offered up its approaches to prevent the outbreak and exacerbation of infectious diseases. Therefore, its legacy is worthy of being inherited, developed and utilized. During her acceptance speech, Chinese Nobel laureate Tu Youyou said that TCM is a great treasure-house and Artemisinin is a gift from TCM to the world. It is my belief that TCM has always been an essential tool in dealing with epidemics. We are willing to join hands with all countries around the world to defeat COVID-19 and usher in a new glorious era whereby the health of the human race is much improved. Thank you.
Xi Yanchun:
We are much obliged to the speakers here today. No matter whether they are government officials or TCM experts, they went to Wuhan and braved the virus outbreak there for more than two months from winter to spring. For this, we deeply admire them, especially Mr. Zhang, who is at an age above 70. Therefore, please allow me to take this opportunity to pay homage to them again.
Recently, the newly confirmed cases in Hubei province have dropped to zero for several consecutive days. Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with General Secretary Xi Jinping at its core, with full support from other parts of the country, and with the strong will and mutual help among the people in Hubei province, especially in Wuhan, we finally achieved what we had long expected. Now the cherry trees have blossomed to announce the commencement of spring. On this bright sunny day today in Wuhan, I would like to take this opportunity to wish a more promising future for Wuhan, for Hubei and for China. I would also like to again thank the guests and all of you. Today's press conference has now concluded.
Translated and edited by Wang Yiming, Wang Qian, Wang Yanfang, Li Xiao, Zhu Bochen, Zhou Jing, Lin Liyao, Li Huiru, Zhang Lulu, Wang Wei, Zheng Chengqiong, Huang Shan, Fan Junmei, Guo Xiaohong, Zhang Liying, Yang Xi, Duan Yaying, Liu Sitong, Yuan Fang, Zhang Rui, Wu Jin, Zhang Junmian, Jay Birbeck, Laura Zheng, David Ball, Geoffrey Murray. In case of any dispute over a discrepancy, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.
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