China will prevent and control health crises in a more scientific, concrete and effective manner and upgrade vaccines while developing new medicines to ensure there are sufficient supplies for citizens, Premier Li Keqiang said today.

The country has been hit by a spike in COVID-19 cases since it suddenly abandoned its “zero COVID” policy in early December, effectively allowing the virus to circulate freely among its population of 1.4 billion. The government has made vaccination of vulnerable groups, including older people, a key priority.

Last month, the country’s leaders declared a “significant victory” over COVID, citing one of the lowest death rates in the world, although experts have cast doubt on the reliability of the figures reported by Beijing.

Presenting the government’s account at the start of the annual session of China’s parliament, Li said the country would continue to focus on controlling the epidemic and treating the elderly, children and people with underlying illnesses.

The world’s second-largest economy will also continue to increase the vaccination rate among the elderly, and promote the expansion and upgrading of health resources, according to a separate announcement by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). Beijing has largely resisted Western vaccines and treatments and has relied on domestically-made preparations. During last year’s parliament session, the government said it would speed up research and development of vaccines and drugs. Today, the NDRC also said that China will make continuous efforts to ensure the production, distribution and provision of essential medical supplies.