China’s State Council introduced an action plan Monday aimed at improving public health and health-related education by 2030.

Smoking, excessive drinking, and poor health knowledge were cited as preventable causes for chronic illnesses — including diabetes, cancer, heart conditions, and respiratory disorders — which together account for 88% of all deaths in the country. The guideline, dubbed Healthy China 2030, lays out specific targets that should be achieved over the next 10 years.

By 2030, the country hopes to reduce infant mortality and malnutrition rates to below 5%, while also strengthening supervision of diabetics and at-risk groups to over 70%. To prevent the spread of diseases, 9 out of 10 children living in rural areas should be vaccinated by 2030.

The Healthy China 2030 blueprint targeting the domestic health care sector was first announced in 2016. (Image: VCG)