KUNSHAN, China – Ahead of World Tuberculosis Day (March 24), leading infectious disease expert Professor Wenhong Zhang delivered a keynote at Duke Kunshan University (DKU) on March 20, highlighting the humanity’s battle against tuberculosis (TB), AI in healthcare, and personal career development.
Professor Wenhong Zhang currently holds the roles of Director at the National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases and the Director of Infectious Diseases Department at Shanghai Huashan Hospital.
The widely known celebrity doctor drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 400 attendees to the 200th “This is Global Health” Symposium. Among the participants was the largest-ever delegation from Kunshan’s health sector.
John Quelch, DKU’s Executive Vice Chancellor, opened the event:
“Public health thrives on clear communication and trust – both within science and between experts and the public. Professor Zhang’s presence embodies this critical connection.”
Jian Zhou, Head of Kunshan Municipal Health Commission, highlighted ongoing collaborations:
“Thanks to the breakthrough research of Professor Zhang’s team in drug-resistant TB treatment and screening optimization, Kunshan’s TB pathology positivity and drug-resistant treatment indicators have achieved great progress with 2024 reached the best level of all time. “
The Enduring TB Threat
Professor Zhang’s keynote “The War Between Humans and Microbes: From Viruses to Tuberculosis” traced humanity’s battle against pathogens, emphasizing TB’s persistent global burden. The World Health Organization estimates ~2 billion people worldwide have latent TB infections (LTBI), with China carries ~360 million LTBI cases. Besides, the Subclinical TB– often symptomless and missed in screenings – poses silent transmission risks.
Professor Fujie Xu, Co-Director of DKU’s Global Health Program, reinforced the urgency:
“TB creates cross-border chain reactions. True safety only comes when everyone is safe – especially with respiratory diseases.”
“Science-driven strategy is non-negotiable,” stressed Professor Zhang. “Despite identifying TB’s cause in 1882, new cases multiply yearly. Eliminating this threat demands innovation in diagnostics, health systems strengthening, and global cooperation. Success requires collective resolve – we need collaboration, teamwork, and belief.”
Global Health Innovation
During the “Conversation with Zhang Wenhong” session, Director Xu Fujie and Professor Zhang Wenhong explored critical topics in global health, including investment in innovative health technologies and strategies to address market failures.
One highlight was the discussion on TB innovation, where China has already emerged as a leader in diagnostics and shows strong potential in drug development. The conversation emphasized the importance of making affordable, accessible, and adaptable health products available in developing countries – a goal that requires collaborative investment from global health philanthropies, research institutions, and other stakeholders.
Beyond TB and infectious disease control, Professor Zhang also reflected his personal career pathway, endorsed the transformative role of AI in healthcare, and offered insights about technical expertise and essential soft skills.
Event Gallery
Symposium Recap:
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/ejqXtF_MP40SWrufKlCKbQ
Terminology
*Latent TB Infection (LTBI): Asymptomatic individuals carrying TB bacteria who may develop active disease.
**Subclinical TB: Transitional stage between LTBI and active TB, often lacking diagnosable symptoms.
