Taking planes, trains, and automobiles into inland China, about 70 students and scholars from leading global universities set foot, for the first time for most of them, into the Mao County in the Province of Sichuan — a transitional zone from the Western Sichuan Plain to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and home to the Qiang ethnic minority.

The used-to-be-poverty-stricken town, typically a stopover for visitors to the UNESCO world natural heritage sites of Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, became the focal point of the “One Health” Economics Summer Program, a collaborative effort between the Peking University (PKU) Institute for Global Health and Development and Yale Center Beijing. 

“In such a seemingly modest locale, however, we are thinking about big issues, about planetary health,” remarked Xi Chen, Associate Professor of Public Health (Health Policy) at the Yale School of Public Health (YSPH) and Institution for Social and Policy Studies, during the opening ceremony, setting the tone for a week of exploration and engagement.

Professor Gordon Liu, Dean of the PKU Institute for Global Health and Development and a native of Mao County, expressed excitement in hosting the camp in his hometown. He underscored the importance of bridging international scholars with local communities, stating, “This exchange broadens horizons and leaves a lasting impact on everyone involved.”

From June 23 – June 28, 2024, the program brought together nearly 50 students from Yale University, Harvard University, Peking University, Tsinghua University, and other leading institutions worldwide, along with more than 10 distinguished faculty members across various disciplines.

At its core, the program focused on the interdisciplinary concept of “One Health,” emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This holistic perspective was woven into every aspect of the program, from lectures and discussions to cultural exchanges and field visits, and echoes Yale University’s Planetary Solutions Project, a cross-disciplinary effort.

Junjie He, a Pre-Doctoral Fellow at Yale University’s Tobin Center, and Xiaowei Zhou MS ’26 from Yale’s School of Public Health, were among the participants of the program. while incoming Yale student Yilin Wang MPH ’26 joined as an observer. They were among the candidates selected from nearly 600 applicants to this flagship program, now in its second year.

“My decision to apply for this program stems from a deep-seated passion for community service and a desire to make a meaningful impact,” says Xiaowei Zhou MS ’26, reflecting on her longstanding commitment to volunteer work. “Engaging directly with students in Mao County allows me to continue this mission.”

For Yilin Wang MPH ’26, who will soon join YSPH’s Social and Behavioral Science (SBS) Department, the program aligned perfectly with her academic and career aspirations. “Mao County’s setting, marked by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan Province, offered a compelling opportunity to observe firsthand the long-term effects of a natural disaster on community health and the ongoing efforts in disaster recovery and health improvement.”

Throughout the program, participants engaged in insightful lectures and vibrant discussions led by renowned scholars, including Professor Xi Chen from Yale School of Public Health, Professor Xiaoyan Lei from Peking University, Professor Sean Sylvia from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Xingwu Ran from Sichuan University, among others. They explored topics ranging from health economics and sustainable development to public policy and community health initiatives. 
 

Professor Xi Chen’s lecture on “Early Life Circumstances and Long-Term Human Development: New Perspectives, Methods, and Findings” left a lasting impression on Junjie He. “Professor Xi Chen shared his insights into the relationship between early experiences and lifelong health. I learned the importance of conducting interventions as early as possible to enhance one’s lifelong health and happiness.”

A highlight of the program was an interactive session with students from Mao County Middle School, the alma mater of Dean Gordon Liu. Teachers and participants from the camp addressed local students'’ questions about academics, life, and mental health as they prepare for the upcoming college entrance exams. 

The camp also featured a site visit to a local cattle farm, sparking discussions about sustainable farming practices and integrating livestock health with environmental stewardship, a core tenet of the “One Health” approach. Cultural diversity was also celebrated through a Qiang ethnic bonfire night, featuring traditional music and dance, offering participants a deeper understanding of local customs.

Reflecting on their experiences, participants like Junjie He emphasized the broad implications of health. “Health relates to everyone’s happiness and has a broad meaning, including the health of humans, animals, and the environment. Therefore, only by caring for the health of our planet can we achieve the goal of maximizing the welfare of everyone on Earth,” he observed.

Xiaowei Zhou MS ’26 emphasized the community’s spirit, stating, “The breathtaking scenery of mountains and rivers provided a refreshing backdrop that is distinctly different from the urban landscapes I am used to. More importantly, it was the genuine warmth and helpfulness of the local people that left a lasting impression on me.”

For Yilin Wang MPH ’26, the camp reinforced her academic interests. “It offered a rare opportunity to observe the real-world application of social and behavioral health principles in a post-disaster context, and I am eager to bring this experience into my academic journey at Yale.”
 

The “One Health” Economics Summer Program, a collaboration between the Peking University (PKU) Institute for Global Health and Development and Yale Center Beijing, concluded with a renewed commitment to health education and collaboration. Participants departed Mao County with enriched perspectives, new friendships, and a shared dedication to promoting “One Health” solutions. As Carol Rafferty ’00, Executive Director of Yale Center Beijing and Director for China at Yale University’s Office of International Affairs, stated in her recorded remarks, “when the world’s most brilliant minds come together, great things will happen.”