health

Jiangsu Cities Add Mechanism to Report Pregnant Minors

Timely reports on issues and events from across China. Drawing on a vast range of sources, these succinct articles provide insights into the significance of each issue in a wider context.

NEWS

Local authorities say it’s an attempt to investigate possible violations and better protect minors.

Yang Caini

China’s White-Collar Workers Have a Sleep Problem 

Many officegoers say work-related chats and the likelihood of their bosses messaging keep them awake late into the night.

Eating Disorder Awareness Campaign Gains Momentum in China

Many young Chinese have never heard of eating disorders, and this lack of awareness makes the conditions even more dangerous. But a grassroots campaign is starting to put the issue on the public agenda.

Fan Yiying

Children’s Slime Toys Under Scrutiny Over Toxic Chemical

One nonprofit is calling for the improvement of toy safety standards in China.

Li Xin

In Shanghai, Tobacco Use Goes Up in Smoke, Hits Record Low 

While just under 20% of adults in the city are still addicted, smoking in no-tobacco zones has dipped too.

In IVF Mix-Up, Anhui Couple was Given the Wrong Embryo

A court ordered the hospital in question to take full responsibility, pay family compensation.

Ye Zhanhang

In China’s COVID Battle, Medical Students Bear a Punishing Burden

Articles that cut to the core of contemporary China. In-depth, informed, and carefully crafted, every piece is carried by the voices of the story’s participants.

FEATURES

As COVID surged in China last December, hospitals drafted in medical students to prop up understaffed wards. Many were unprepared for what awaited them.

Chang Minxiao

‘It’s Finally Over,’ Say Doctors in China as COVID Cases Ebb

While the government announced late in January that the current wave had ended, hospitals say operations are slowly returning to normal.

To Aid Birth Rate, China Adds Fertility Treatment to Insurance

While recent surveys show over 10% of married couples have infertility problems, assisted reproductive technologies come at a high financial cost.

Reporter’s Notebook: How Rural China Is Grappling With COVID

Visual stories that get up close and personal with contemporary China. A mix of short videos, documentaries, photography, and data visualization.

MULTIMEDIA

Fu Beimeng

Xue Haolin

Jiangsu Proposes Free Autism Screening for Children 

China’s top health authority estimates that every 7 out of 1,000 children have autism spectrum disorder.

China’s Rural Hospitals Under Pressure as Severe COVID Cases Rise

Doctors fear that traveling during Lunar New Year could add more infections and hospitalizations.

Wu Peiyue

‘It’s Insane’: China’s Doctors Struggle to Cope Amid COVID Surge

Chinese medical workers say the COVID-19 wave is the worst crisis they have faced in decades. Mass infections among hospital staff are only making things worse.

Ni Dandan

China Vows to End Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission by 2025

The country’s top health authority also plans to cut the transmission rates of hepatitis B and congenital syphilis in infants.

Luo Meihan

The Desire for Twins Is Putting China’s Mothers in Danger

Many Chinese couples long to give birth to twins, and seek out assisted reproduction clinics willing to help them do so. But multiple pregnancies can bring serious health risks — and force mothers to make heartbreaking choices.

Wang Lianzhang

In China, a Dark New Black Market Emerges: Fake COVID Medication

Unable to access Paxlovid, Chinese COVID patients are resorting to buying generic antiviral drugs via the black market. But much of this medication is counterfeit — and potentially dangerous.

COVID Is Spreading Explosively in China. Can Its ICUs Cope?

Intensive care units will be crucial as China grapples with a massive wave of COVID-19 cases. Data suggests that hospitals have a severe shortage of ICU beds — though how severe remains far from clear.

Luo Yahan

Gao Mingyue

As Cities Ride the Surge, How Rural China Can Brace for Covid Impact

Contributions from individuals with unique perspectives to share. Hear from everyone, from experts and commentators to those whose voices are often marginalized.

VOICES & OPINION

As Spring Festival nears, many county towns are already staring at health care staff and medicine shortages.

Xu Yucai

China Sees Looming Blood Shortage as COVID Spreads

Donors have dwindled in at least eight provinces, with many staying away from crowded spaces due to the coronavirus surge.

Chinese Artist Nut Brother Crowdfunds Medicine for Rural Elderly 

A short supply of medicine amid a rise in COVID infections has left many scrambling for essential drugs.