On July 7, 2023, Prof. Wenhong Zhang, who is Director of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Huashan Hospital, Fudan University (China), delivered an academic lecture titled "Scientific preparation for the control and elimination of infectious Diseases" at the Lihu Campus of Shenzhen University (China). Prof. Zhang was invited by Prof. Xinchun Chen of the Department of Medicine, to mark the 1,123rd event of the XXX anniversary celebrations, and the 77th lecture of the Shenzhen University Medicine Forum. 

In his lecture, Prof. Zhang explained the emergence, development and evolution of infectious diseases as well as the nature of the necessary response strategies to pandemic threats caused by infectious diseases. First, Prof. Zhang explained that after humans domesticated animals, bacteria carried by animals began to spread widely among people, and with the subsequent increase in the migration of people, epidemics also began to readily spread.

He then explained that with the development of human science and technology, scientists have realized the notable role played by the human immune system in how epidemics are borne and transmitted. He also explained the importance of the immune detection of infectious diseases. Prof. Zhang then illustrated the role of emerging technologies that can be leveraged to help detect and control future epidemics, drawing on the H7N9 epidemic in 2003 as a point of reference. He also highlighted the necessity of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in preventing COVID-19.

Finally, Prof. Zhang conveyed to us the national strategic needs of drug research and development under the pandemic and the national Major New Drug Development Special Plan. Here, we also learned about Prof. Zhang’s work on the clinical application of innovative small molecules and their efficient application and translation to clinical settings. We heard how homologous and heterologous vaccines for vulnerable populations can achieve good preventive and therapeutic effects. To close, Prof. Zhang encouraged those attending the lecture to engage with research into the development of national medicines and healthcare practices.

Brief introduction of the Speaker

Zhang Wenhong, is a Professor, chief physician, doctoral supervisor, Director of the National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases and Director of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Huashan Hospital at Fudan University, Director of the Department of Internal Medicine in the School of Clinical Medicine at Furi University, Vice Chairman of the Society of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Medical Association, Vice President of the Society of Physicians, Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Editor-in-Chief for the Chinese Journal of Infectious Diseases, and an Associate Editor of the journal Emerging Microbes and Infections. He has been engaged in the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases for a long time. He has made outstanding contributions to the National Health Commission and enjoys the special allowance of The State Council.