The State Council Information Office held a press conference today to release the white paper titled “China’s Practices and Achievements in Promoting Women’s Comprehensive Development in the New Era.”

The white paper states that significant breakthroughs have been made in addressing key women’s health issues. Resources have been coordinated to integrate the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis B into major public health service programs.

By 2024, the mother-to-child transmission rate of AIDS had dropped to 1.2%, meeting the target indicators for eliminating mother-to-child transmission. Comprehensive prevention and treatment of cervical and breast cancer have been advanced. From 2009 to 2024, 342 million free cervical cancer screenings and 245 million breast cancer screenings were conducted. From 2012 to 2024, central government funding of 3.01 billion yuan was allocated to support women with these diseases.

As of June 2025, 18 provinces have included HPV vaccination in government livelihood projects, providing free vaccinations for school-age girls and benefiting approximately 5 million girls annually.

A series of specialized women’s health clinics and outpatient groups have been established, covering the entire childbirth process and women’s full life cycle. Reproductive health promotion initiatives have been implemented. By the end of 2024, adolescent health education services had been provided in over 10,000 primary and secondary schools and more than 1,000 universities nationwide. Initiatives such as the National Health Literacy Improvement Action, Healthy Family Building, and the “Healthy China, Mother Action” campaign have been carried out to encourage women to enhance health awareness and management capabilities for their families and society.

Additionally, the white paper highlights that women’s health levels have significantly improved.

In 2020, the average life expectancy for women increased to 80.9 years. Since 2012, the national hospital delivery rate has remained consistently above 99%. The systematic management rate for pregnant women reached 94.9% in 2024, while the maternal mortality rate dropped from 61.9 per 100,000 in 1995 to 14.3 per 100,000 in 2024, a decrease of 76.9%, which is far below the world average.

China’s core maternal and child health indicators (maternal mortality rate, infant mortality rate, and under-5 mortality rate) rank among the top in upper-middle-income countries globally. The country has achieved the relevant targets of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ahead of schedule and has been listed by the World Health Organization as one of the ten high-performing countries in maternal and child health.

State Council Information Office

The State Council Information Office is the primary government body responsible for public communication and media relations for China’s State Council. Established in 1991, its key functions include organizing press conferences, releasing official information, and presenting China’s policies and developments to both domestic and international audiences. It serves as the central channel for the Chinese government’s official announcements and policy interpretations.

China’s Practices and Achievements in Promoting Women’s Comprehensive Development in the New Era

“China’s Practices and Achievements in Promoting Women’s Comprehensive Development in the New Era” is a policy framework and report detailing China’s commitment to gender equality since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. It highlights the historical progress in advancing women’s rights in areas such as education, employment, political participation, and health. The document showcases the nation’s achievements in creating a more supportive legal and social environment for women’s all-round development.

National Health Literacy Improvement Action

“National Health Literacy Improvement Action” is not a specific place or cultural site, but rather a strategic initiative or program. It refers to a coordinated effort, often led by government or public health organizations, to enhance the public’s ability to understand and use health information. Its history involves a growing recognition that improving health literacy is essential for better health outcomes and more efficient healthcare systems.

Healthy Family Building

“Healthy Family Building” is not a widely recognized historical or cultural site. The name suggests it may refer to a community center, clinic, or organization focused on family support services. Without a specific location or context, its unique history cannot be detailed.

Healthy China, Mother Action

“Healthy China, Mother Action” is not a physical place or historical cultural site, but a national public health initiative launched by the Chinese government. The program focuses on improving the health of mothers and children as a key strategy to raise the overall health standards of the population. It represents a modern policy effort to build a “Healthy China” by investing in the well-being of families from the very start.

United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a global framework adopted by all UN member states in 2015. Its history is rooted in decades of international development work, building upon the earlier Millennium Development Goals. The Agenda’s central feature is its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which provide a 15-year plan to address global challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change by 2030.

World Health Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established in 1948, responsible for international public health. Its primary goal is to achieve the highest possible level of health for all people, directing and coordinating global health responses to outbreaks and setting international health standards. Throughout its history, the WHO has led campaigns against diseases like smallpox, which was declared eradicated in 1980, and continues to address ongoing health challenges worldwide.

AIDS

“AIDS” refers to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, a global pandemic caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). First identified in the early 1980s, the disease has had a profound social and medical impact, leading to widespread activism and significant advancements in treatment. While not a physical site, it represents a critical chapter in modern history, memorialized through events like World AIDS Day and cultural works that honor those affected.