The Fifth Regional Forum of the WHO Collaborating Centres in the Western Pacific was held in Manila, Philippines, from November 4–5, 2025. Over 200 delegates from 122 WHO collaborating centers across the Western Pacific Region gathered to share innovative achievements and strategic plans, aiming to strengthen regional health cooperation, advance shared health goals, and enhance the impact and sustainability of collaborative efforts.

Under the theme“Weaving Health for Families, Communities, and Societies across the Western Pacific”, this forum reflects the joint vision guiding future collaboration among WHO, its member states, and collaborating centers, and aligns with the implementation framework of WHO’s fourteenth general programme of work.

Representing our hospital’s WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Training in Cardiovascular Diseases—housed at the Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute—were Director Chen Jimei, Chief Physician Liu Xiaoqing, and Associate Chief Physician Qu Yanji.

From Left to Right: Dr. Qu Yanji, Director Chen Jimei, and Director Liu Xiaoqing

During the forum, participants from various countries presented successful case studies. Dr. Chen Jimei, Dr. Liu Xiaoqing, and Dr. Qu Yanji engaged in in-depth discussions with the WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, senior WHO officials, and fellow delegates. In the Country Impact Session, Dr. Chen Jimei delivered a presentation detailing the Center’s past technical assistance and training initiatives in countries including Fiji, Ghana, and the Solomon Islands—an account that received high praise from attending experts.

Director Chen Jimei (Left) Delivering a Presentation at the Country Impact Session

Established in 1980, the Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute’s WHO Collaborating Center is currently in its ninth term (2023–2027). It remains the only WHO-designated collaborating center in the field of cardiovascular diseases in both China and the Western Pacific Region, as well as the longest-standing WHO collaborating center in China. Throughout its tenure, the Center has successfully fulfilled WHO-assigned tasks—including cardiovascular disease prevention, surveillance, and professional training—demonstrating our hospital’s significant influence on the global health stage.
Moving forward, WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Training in Cardiovascular Diseases for Cardiovascular Diseases at Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute will continue to serve as a vital bridge, driving global cardiovascular disease prevention and control through innovation and international collaboration.

Qu Yanji

Updated: November 11, 2025