China targets increasing average life expectancy to 80 years

China aims to increase the average life expectancy to 80 years over the next five years, up from 79 at the end of 2024, Health Minister Lei Haichao said at a news conference on Friday.

Lei said the target is based on an analysis of international development trends, current progress in healthcare, and the country's overall national strength.

"Our assessments indicate that this goal is fully achievable," he said.

To reach this objective, Lei emphasized the importance of a health-centered approach that focuses on disease prevention. Specific measures include raising public health awareness and strengthening the management and intervention of key risk factors such as weight, blood pressure, and levels of blood lipids and sugar.

He added that efforts will be intensified to address major chronic diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.

This will involve streamlining multidisciplinary diagnosis channels within medical institutions and improving referral services between hospitals.

Lei also called for making healthcare services more convenient and efficient for the public, enhancing collaboration among hospitals at different levels, and strengthening primary healthcare services.