Advancing Maternal and Child Health Through Innovation at the Inaugural China–Central Asia Forum

2026-10-21

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On October 9, 2026, the inaugural China–Central Asia Forum on Maternal and Child Health opened in Astana, Kazakhstan, hosted by the University Medical Center (UMC) of Nazarbayev University and co-organized by West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University.
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Under the theme Joining Hands for Excellence in Healthcare, the forum brought together experts from China and Central Asia to strengthen collaboration in maternal and child health. It also advanced a shared vision for the Health Silk Road through medical innovation and academic exchange. As a global medical technology leader, Mindray is committed to bridging expertise and local needs through international collaboration, sharing proven healthcare practices and advancing accessible, high-quality maternal and child healthcare across Central Asia.

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Strengthening Partnerships and Advancing Medical Innovation

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From left: Liu Hanmin and Dr. Yuriy Pya

A key highlight of the forum was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University and Kazakhstan’s University Medical Center (UMC), laying the groundwork for collaboration in medical innovation, digital healthcare, and talent development.


The opening ceremony was attended by Li Zaiwen, Senior Vice President of Mindray; Dr. Yuriy Pya, Chairman of the UMC Board and Director of the Heart Center; and Liu Hanmin, President of West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University.


During the forum, Li Zaiwen, Senior Vice President of Mindray, delivered a speech entitled Joining Hands with Central Asia to Build a Community for Maternal and Child Health, highlighting the importance of digital innovation, shared healthcare standards, and talent development in advancing regional collaboration. 

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We believe digital innovation can make healthcare more accessible, shared standards can promote more consistent care, and talent exchange and capacity building can bring healthcare communities closer together. Together, we can build a stronger community for maternal and child health across China and Central Asia.

 

Li Zaiwen

Senior Vice President, Mindray

Representatives from China and Kazakhstan emphasized maternal and child health as a foundation for public health and a key area for regional cooperation. They highlighted the potential of integrated healthcare, digital innovation, and medical AI to address diverse healthcare needs, while underscoring the importance of continued knowledge exchange and collaboration to improve maternal and child healthcare across Central Asia.

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Maternal and child health is fundamental to public well-being and a vital link in strengthening the longstanding ties between China and Central Asia. We look forward to building on this forum to deepen academic exchange, share experience, and create new opportunities for regional healthcare cooperation.

 

Liu Hanmin, M.D.

President, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University

Exploring New Frontiers in Maternal and Child Healthcare

 

The forum featured three parallel sessions on pediatric surgical innovation, major childhood diseases and interdisciplinary care, and women’s health across the lifespan and perinatal medicine, with 33 expert presentations covering clinical advances and emerging care models. Topics ranged from complex pediatric surgery and congenital heart disease treatment to minimally invasive gynecologic oncology and integrated fetal brain and cardiac MRI assessment. 

 

A roundtable discussion with experts from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Belarus further examined regional priorities, including a collaborative innovation platform for maternal, child, and reproductive health, clinical technology translation, and international teleconsultation services.

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Building a Healthier Future Through Smart Healthcare


Looking ahead, closer China–Central Asia collaboration will create new opportunities to strengthen regional healthcare systems and improve maternal and child health. Mindray will continue to bring proven Chinese smart healthcare practices to the regions, translating innovation into solutions that address local needs and contribute to a healthier future for communities across Central Asia.

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