Two distinguished alumni from the Master of Science in Global Health Program (MSc-GH Program) at Duke Kunshan University (DKU), Bolu Yang (Class of 2024) and Yue Suo (Class of 2024), have recently authored two significant policy briefs published by the World Health Organization (WHO). These briefs focus on smoke-free legislation and sugar-sweetened beverage policies in China, offering valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and public health professionals.
In 2022, during their studies in the DKU MSc-GH program, Bolu Yang and Yue Suo were selected for a Young Researchers Program by WHO aimed at empowering young researchers from low- and middle-income countries to conduct research in the fields of non-communicable diseases and mental health, addressing regional public health problems. Over 100 young researchers worldwide applied for the program, with eight participants from seven different countries ultimately selected.
Bolu Yang authored the policy brief “Smoke-Free Legislation and Enforcement in China: Recognizing Uneven Progress,” which focuses on the current situation and challenges of implementing smoke-free policies across China. The brief details the regional disparities in legislation and enforcement, pointing out the slow progress in the implementation of nationwide tobacco control policies since China ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2003, and the varying levels of enforcement across cities. The author calls for the establishment of a unified national framework to protect the public from the harms of secondhand smoke, emphasizing the importance of government action, public education, and social mobilization.
“What impressed me the most during the research was the fieldwork conducted in Chongqing and Shanghai, where I directly experienced the various challenges and difficulties faced by local governments and enforcement officers in promoting tobacco control policies. This experience made me truly understand that ‘theory remains shallow without practice,’ and it highlighted the importance of translating theoretical knowledge into practical action. This became an important enlightenment in my research journey. I am also sincerely grateful to the faculty of the DKU Global Health Program for their invaluable guidance and support throughout the proposal writing and application process.”
— Bolu Yang
Yue Suo‘s policy brief, “Developing Policy on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages for Children and Adolescents in China,” addresses the health risks associated with the consumption of sugary drinks by children and adolescents and the rising trend of obesity and other non-communicable diseases. The brief suggests that sugary drinks pose a major threat to the health of children and adolescents and calls for government policy, industry standards, and public education to reduce the consumption of sugary beverages, advocating for healthier dietary habits.
“As someone passionate about food and beverages and as a beverage enthusiast with internship experience in the food industry, I understand the multifaceted impact of policy changes. For companies, it might be a dilemma, like the tax pressure high-sugar formulas bring on exports versus consumer rejection of a changed formula; for consumers, subtle adjustments through food labeling may gradually shift consumption preferences. This artistry of policy promotion doesn’t just tell you ‘NO,’ it guides you there subtly.”
— Yue Suo
Their mentor, Associate Professor of Global Health at DKU, Dr. Qian Long, stated: “With the vision to ‘promote health equity and improve health for all in China and worldwide,’ the Global Health program strives to provide the most advantageous platform for the professional development of our students and young researchers. We offer academic training and support tailored to their individuality, strengths, and directions of development, allowing them to quickly learn, achieve, and positively impact health endeavors in China and worldwide.”
