Dr Di Jiangli

In the midst of the pandemic Dr Di Jiangli found herself playing the piano in an aged care facility while dressed from head to toe in Personal Protective Equipment.

As the deputy director and principal researcher for a department of the Women and Health Centre of China CDC, Jiangli plays a key role in national maternal and child health initiatives, and is part of various research teams addressing women’s health issues.

That day, in a nursing home in Wuhan, she recognised patients and staff needed more than just healthcare.

“After we collected environmental samples and had just sent the COVID positive patients away, in order to pacify everyone's mood, I played the piano,” Jiangli explained.

“My teammates told me when they heard the music, they felt that the whole world suddenly became peaceful and they didn't feel tired either.”

Jiangli’s talent also extended to hairdressing.

“Due to all barber shops being closed, I used my hair skills to cut hair for teammates and local staff,” she said.

“I arrived in Wuhan during the early stages of the pandemic and didn't leave until Wuhan was released. I was the only staff member in the National Centre for women and children’s health who went to Wuhan.

“I worked in epidemiological surveys and analysis and provided training.

“Afterwards I also participated in the prevention and control of the pandemic in Beijing and Xinjiang.

“Then from last year to this year, I also participated in the national pandemic traceability group to track, analyse and write reports on the national pandemic, to provide a basis for the Chinese government to formulate pandemic prevention and control strategies in a timely way.”

Still involved in COVID-19 prevention and control work, Jiangli said she was thrilled to be honoured by Griffith with the award for Outstanding Alumnus 2022.

“I am very grateful to Griffith for its recognition of my work and feel very happy and excited,” a humbled Jiangli explained.

“I came to Griffith initially because I participated in an Australian Leadership Awards Fellowship, the China Disease Control and Prevention Leadership Program.

“I really felt the warmth of Griffith’s Centre for Environment and Population Health (CEPH) family, so after graduating with a master's degree in public health, I further applied for PhD degrees in public health, again at Griffith.

"It allowed me to broaden my vision and improve my scientific research ability, my logical thinking, which has laid a very good foundation for my future work and study.”

In addition to her demanding clinical and research responsibilities, Jiangli has published more than 35 research papers and edited 18 books.

Her dedication to women’s health issues in China has also resulted in eight national awards in her home country and the 2020 Australian Ambassador’s Award for Women in Leadership.

“The Chinese government attaches great importance to women's health and has taken a lot of strategic measures to promote women's health,” Jiangli said.

“Basic public health services are provided for pregnant women including five antenatal examinations, two postpartum visits and 42-day health examinations for pregnant woman are free. 35-64 year old women can also receive free cervical and breast cancer screening.

“The Australian government also provides many kinds of free services for women, but China has a much larger population and providing free services to every woman is a great challenge for the government.

“At present, the main problem is the differences between regions, and poor access to women's health services in remote, economically backward areas.

“However, over the past decade, the ratio of maternal mortality in the western and eastern regions has dropped and access to services is improving.”

So back to the piano, which has proven to be quite the salve for many of Jiangli’s colleagues. Her talents also extend to cartoon art.

“To placate the anxiety and relieve stress of my teammates during the pandemic, I played piano for them after work.

“I also painted the hero cartoon images of "Avengers" on their overalls, not only inspiring them to continue fighting but also leaving precious memories.”

While demonstrating a selfless commitment to both Chinese women and her staff, Jiangli says she still has plenty left to achieve, and of her award, insists she’s not entirely sure it is her turn to be recognised just yet.

“I can't believe it, there are so many outstanding students who’ve graduated from Griffith.”