The average life expectancy in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has surged from 30 years in 1949 to 77 years in 2024, according to a white paper released by China's State Council Information Office. The milestone reflects seven decades of sustained improvements in healthcare access and public health policies across the region.
Titled "CPC Guidelines for Governing Xinjiang in the New Era: Practice and Achievements," the document highlights how localized medical reforms now enable residents to address routine health concerns at community clinics, common illnesses at county-level facilities, and complex conditions within regional hospitals. This tiered system has reduced barriers to care while strengthening preventive health measures.
Analysts note the progress aligns with broader efforts to modernize healthcare infrastructure in western China. The white paper emphasizes ongoing investments in medical training programs and disease prevention initiatives as key drivers of longevity gains.
With life expectancy now approaching the Chinese mainland's national average of 78.2 years, Xinjiang's trajectory offers insights into balancing regional development priorities amid rapid urbanization and demographic shifts.
