Science, Medicine & Engineering
Distinguished
Zhong Nanshan
born 1936
Respiratory specialist who led the fight against SARS
Distinguished is level 3 of 4 in the China Hall of Fame: sustained excellence over a career, widely honoured at home. See how the levels work.
Why they are here
A respiratory disease specialist who became a public figure during the SARS outbreak of 2003 and again in the early days of COVID-19.
Zhong Nanshan led efforts in Guangzhou to treat and contain SARS in 2003 and challenged official statements that the outbreak was under control. In January 2020 he publicly confirmed that the new coronavirus spread between people.
He was awarded the Medal of the Republic, one of China's highest honours, in 2020.
He was awarded the Medal of the Republic, one of China's highest honours, in 2020.
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