Chinese Vice-Premier and Health Minister
Wu Yi
exchanged views by phone Tuesday with Tommy G. Thompson, US
secretary of health and human services, on strengthening the two
nations' cooperation in prevention and treatment of severe acute
respiratory syndrome (
SARS).
Thompson expressed his sympathy and solicitude to the Chinese
people who are going all out to fight against SARS, and spoke
highly of the Chinese Government's measures to contain the
disease.
He
said China's experience in combating SARS is of great significance
to other countries, and the US side is willing to offer full
cooperation with China by providing any support and assistance
possible to find an effective way to prevent and treat the epidemic
as soon as possible.
Wu
said that in face of the unexpected disaster, the Chinese people
are standing united and doing their utmost to stem the epidemic.
Always placing people's health and lives above everything else,
Chinese leaders and the Chinese Government have taken a series of
resolute measures, including setting up a national SARS prevention
and treatment headquarters, adding SARS to the list of infectious
diseases specified by law so as to deal with it forcefully, and
earmarking a special fund for impoverished victims.
The vice-premier said that, on the whole, the measures have
produced some effects, but she warned that the current situation is
still grave and more arduous efforts have to be made before the
final victory can be claimed.
The Chinese Government and people have confidence, and capability
as well, to win the battle, she said. The disease is a foe to all
mankind, and if it is to be defeated globally, exchanges and
cooperation must be strengthened among all countries.
Wu
said that China and the United States should further strengthen
their exchanges and cooperation in this area.
Wu
said the central government is very much concerned about the health
of Taiwan compatriots and the epidemic situation on the island.
Professional health organizations in Taiwan have sent specialists
to the mainland to study and attend relevant meetings. Taiwan has
easy access to health information, she said.
The vice-premier said that as part of China, Taiwan is not
qualified to join the World Health Organization, which can be
joined only by sovereign countries.
(Xinhua News Agency May 6, 2003)