Zhong Nanshan: China Needs a “Top-Down and Ground-Up” Approach for This Disease

There is a disease

with a very high prevalence:among Chinese adults aged 40 and older,the rate reaches 13.6%,affecting nearly 100 million people.

Yet awareness is extremely low.Only 0.9%of those affected even know they have the disease.

In China,approximately 1 million people die from this disease each year.

The disease is COPD—Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease,commonly known as emphysema.

Its causes are not fully understood,and it remains a major public health challenge.


On February 16,2025,Academician Zhong Nanshan appeared on CCTV’s Healthy China,delivering a keynote titled“My Half-Century Struggle with COPD”,recounting his 50-year effort to combat the disease.


In his speech,Zhong emphasized that tackling COPD in China requires a“top-down and ground-up”approach:

“Top-Down”refers to developing world-leading prevention and treatment strategies,from theory and lab research to clinical diagnosis and therapy,addressing unresolved medical challenges.

“Grounding in Reality”focuses on creating drugs,medical devices,or treatments that are simple,affordable,effective,and safe,tailored to the needs of the Chinese population.


In 2024,during an interview with the People’s Daily Health Client,Academician Zhong highlighted that hydrogen-oxygen inhalation shows promise for COPD patients,particularly in relieving symptoms and improving blood oxygen levels during acute exacerbations.

Asclepius Meditec’s Hydrogen-Oxygen Generator has been shown to relieve symptoms such as coughing,sputum production,and shortness of breath in patients experiencing acute exacerbations of COPD.It has received approval as a“National Innovation”Class III Medical Device,recognized for being domestically pioneering,technologically world-leading,and clinically valuable.

This achievement aligns perfectly with the“top-tier and grounded”approach advocated by Academician Zhong Nanshan for COPD:solutions that are tailored to national needs while advancing international medical technology.

Importantly,in 2024,COPD management was included in China’s National Basic Public Health Service Program,reflecting national-level attention and support for the 100 million patients affected by this chronic disease.

With the collective efforts of society,we can help more people break free from the burden of COPD,regain healthy,unrestricted breathing,and embrace a better quality of life.