UNESCO honors Ningbo-born scientist Gu Fangzhou on 100th birth anniversary

A commemorative event marking the 100th anniversary of Gu Fangzhou, the renowned Ningbo-born virologist who pioneered China's oral polio vaccine, was held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on July 16.

More than 100 representatives from UNESCO, permanent delegations from countries including Cambodia and Italy, the Institut Pasteur, Italy's Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, leading universities, and public health research institutions attended the event.

Gu is widely regarded as the founder and organizer of China's oral polio vaccine program. Leading a dedicated research team, he developed the sugar-coated oral vaccine that helped halt indigenous polio transmission in China and protected generations of children. Affectionately known as the "Sugar Pill Grandfather", he remains one of the country's most respected public health pioneers.

The commemoration was officially added to UNESCO's list of anniversary celebrations at the organization's 43rd General Conference last year, following a recommendation from the China Association for Science and Technology.

Attendees praised Gu's lifelong commitment to science for the service of humanity and highlighted the importance of international cooperation, ethical research, and scientific innovation.

Abou Amani from UNESCO noted that Gu's story continues to inspire young people to pursue scientific discovery, while vaccine experts described his oral polio vaccine as a landmark achievement in both Chinese and global vaccination history.

In his hometown of Ningbo, a series of exhibitions, publications, performances, and educational programs have also been launched to celebrate his remarkable legacy and promote the enduring spirit of scientific innovation.