Boao health forum to have second conference

The second Conference of the Global Health Forum of Boao Forum will be held in Qingdao, Shandong province from June 16 to 17.

Margaret Chen Fung Fu-chun, the health forum president and former director-general of the World Health Organization, said infectious diseases and psychological health will be emphasized at the forum, as well as new technologies in health care - for example, applying artificial intelligence to medical treatment.

The forum, according to her, will also promote the development of the health industry, especially the progress of technologies on health.

She said the forum will look to a sustainable future, as health is quite important for all people, and health is closely connected with areas such as education, climate change and poverty alleviation, rather than just medication.

Li Baodong, secretary-general of the Boao Forum for Asia, said the first Global Health Forum held back in June - also in Qingdao - made great achievements, as it hosted over 2,600 representatives from 55 countries and regions.

He said cooperation is needed in the medical area, as problems and challenges still exist despite impressive progress.

"For example, basic medical facilities fall short in some developing countries. Also, half of the global population can't get access to basic medical services," he said. "If we don't cooperate, about 5 million people across the world won't enjoy medical services till 2030."