China in a Decade: New concept spurs greater development, and a new era unleashes stronger dynamic (part II)

VIII. Progress in social undertakings well aligned with socio-economic development

In 2021, the average years of education for the working-age population reached 10.9 years, 0.7 years higher than 2015. As of end 2021, there were 3,215 and 5,772 public libraries and museums nationwide, up 139 and 2,703 than at the end of 2012, respectively. As of end 2021, the number of beds and health technicians in health institutions nationwide had reached 9.45 million and 11.24 million respectively, an increase of 65.0% and 68.4% respectively over the end of 2012. The health status of the population has improved significantly. Life expectancy had increased from 74.8 years in 2010 to 78.2 years in 2021; infant mortality rate dropped from 1.03% in 2012 to 0.5%. In the face of Covid-19 pandemic, China has put life first and its people at the central position. Thanks to the combination of precise measures with routine policies, and a nationwide vaccination program, China has achieved a strategic result in the fight against Covid and has safeguarded the life and health of more than 1.4 billion people.