China is making significant strides in maternal and child healthcare, implementing innovative programs aimed at enhancing access and improving overall health outcomes. Recognized as a critical indicator of societal progress, the health of mothers and children is receiving focused attention through systematic upgrades to infrastructure and policy enhancements.

One of the cornerstone strategies of China's initiative involves modernizing maternal healthcare infrastructure. The concept of 'maternal-friendly hospitals' is gaining momentum, creating integrated healthcare services designed to simplify the care process for expectant mothers.

Major cities such as Beijing and Nanjing are now home to 'one-stop' clinics where women can complete all necessary healthcare procedures in one location. This setup includes registration, examinations, consultations, and payments, effectively reducing the burden of visiting multiple departments. A prime example of this transformation is the Beijing Maternal and Child Health Hospital, which features a multidisciplinary intensive care unit staffed by a team of specialized obstetricians.

In a recent interview with China Media Group, Dr. Xie Dan, the medical director of the hospital, emphasized the importance of collaboration among various medical specialties, especially in handling increasingly complex maternal health risks. This integrated approach has played a significant role in reducing Beijing's maternal mortality rate to 0.69 per 100,000 live births in 2024, in line with global standards.

The Statistical Monitoring Report from the China National Program for Women's Development reflects a consistent improvement in comprehensive health management across different stages of the maternity cycle. This report highlights ongoing efforts to build capacity within maternal and child health institutions, ensuring better care in the long run.

Progress is also evident in neonatal care, where hospitals are integrating psychological support into pediatric services. Regions such as Hainan, Guizhou, and Guangzhou are implementing early screening programs for autism, aimed at identifying and supporting children through targeted therapy to bolster their communication and social skills.

In Guizhou Province, specialized kindergartens serve as therapeutic environments for children diagnosed with autism. One such child, Rongrong, has improved her communication skills significantly after undergoing a year and a half of consistent therapy focusing on cognitive, language, and social skills, illustrating the positive impact of tailored support.

To further assist families, China is enacting various policy innovations, including flexible employment options and financial support systems. Initiatives such as 'birth-friendly positions' and 'mommy posts' are designed to help parents better balance work and childcare responsibilities, with job fairs in Shanghai highlighting roles that promote remote work opportunities.

Financial incentives also bolster these supportive measures. In Guizhou Province, annual subsidies for autism rehabilitation have increased to 18,320 yuan, providing crucial resources for families such as Rongrong's, enabling access to essential early intervention services.

Technology is becoming increasingly integral to maternal and child health efforts, with AI tools enhancing prenatal screenings to accurately detect conditions like Down syndrome and assess pregnancy-related risks. Furthermore, mental health considerations are now included as standard in perinatal care, addressing the pressing issue of perinatal depression.

On a global scale, China's commitment extends through partnerships and cooperation initiatives, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative. By sharing its expertise in high-risk pregnancy management and neonatal care, China collaborates with international organizations like UNICEF to host workshops, fostering knowledge exchange and aligning with the World Health Organization's goals for maternal and infant health.

(Cover image designed by Liu Shaozhen)