Distinguished guests, Ladies, Gentlemen, and Colleagues,
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
　　On the occasion of the opening of the International Heart Forum Beijing 2004, I have the honor,
on behalf of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medial Sciences, in my
own name, to extend my sincere welcome and the congratulations to all of you.
　　Cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases are still the number one killer in this country, and going
to be the major health burden of the world.
　　In the past half century, heart attack and stroke have been halved in the developed countries,
through population wide and individual prevention strategies. But, in 1990s, despite multiple
advances in clinical treatment for patient with acute coronary heart disease, or with major risk
factors for cardiovascular diseases, the favorable trend slowed, and the decline in stroke mortality
ceased; despite all the progress, sudden death remains a common problem resistant to high-tech
approaches; despite the benefits from the newer treatments, morbidity and mortality risk for the
patients with coronary heart disease remain greater, years of life expectancy remain fewer, than for
people at low risk.
　　Scientific achievement contributes greatly to the improvement of health. The solution to
above problems still relies on the scientific and technological knowledge. Opportunities to
expand the health knowledge base are increasing rapidly as a result of advances in biomedical
science such as our growing understanding of the human genome, new insight into the
implications for understanding human behavior, expanding knowledge of genetics correlates to
human cardiovascular diseases. By exploiting the new scientific discovering, the biotech,
pharmaceutical companies offer promise of new tools and technique to prevent and treat diseases.

　　Dramatic health gains of 20 century demonstrate the value of investing in new knowledge
and technologies. Now, the society owes much to research.

　　Our goal is to bring down 10-20% cardiovascular death in 10 years in this country, save 200
thousand to 400 thousand lives yearly, avoid of 150 thousand disabilities.

　　To achieve our goals, we need to know the particular risk factors for Chinese cardiovascular
diseases and how much they contribute to our health burden. We need a national compaign against
unhealthy life style, and declare the war against risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
Cardiovascular disease is a global health problem, the solution of the problems demand new and
expanded scientific and technical approaches. For sure, our experience in fighting heart disease
will benefit the world, the world experience will benefit us.

　　We need long term policy commitment and mobilization of resources, both money and man
power. Today's forum is hosted by the National Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and
Research (NCCD). The establishment of NCCD is a very important step on the way to conquer
heart disease. We hope additional resources and specific authority will be allocated to NCCD,
because of its unique scientific and technical expertise, enable it to coordinate the national strategy
and priority setting in the war against cardiovascular disease and to establish liaison with
international organization.

　　Let's firmly support and actively participate in the thrum, make it as one of the most
comprehensive forum for debating, exchanging issues related to heart and vessel disease in the
world.

　　Thank you for your attention.