| This paper explores the independent development path and innovative practices of China’s National Public Health Bulletin, based on the publication strategies and outcomes of China CDC Weekly. Established in response to national strategic needs and disciplinary gaps in public health, the journal adopts a distinctive operational model characterized by “national-strategy guidance, independent innovation, interdisciplinary integration, international norms adaptation, and closed-loop quality control.” Mechanistically, it implements an editor-in-chief system led by top field experts and heads of national institutions, coupled with full-chain independent operations to ensure both data security and publishing efficiency. In content design, it employs a dual-track system of “comprehensive regular columns + focused thematic special issues,” with 57% of its issues dedicated to public health topics, thereby balancing academic innovation with practical relevance. For dissemination, the journal promotes plain English writing and a “summary box”, and through targeted strategies such as compliance with international database criteria, it achieved indexing in major databases including SCIE/SSCI within three years of launch. A dual quality-control mechanism of “academic review + policy compliance” further solidifies its authority. During the six years, the journal has published over 240 articles annually, reached readers in 233 countries and regions, and maintained an impact factor in the top quartile of the JCR public health category for two consecutive years. Many of its published findings have been incorporated into policy documents by international bodies such as the World Health Organization. By demonstrating rapid international reach without reliance on global publishing companies, China CDC Weekly offers a replicable “Chinese model” for establishing high-level academic journals anchored in national strategic objectives and focused on public affairs and core data dissemination. |
