On May 6, 2003, Vice Premier and Health Minister Wu
Yi exchanged views by phone 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. 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 final victory can be claimed. The
Chinese Government and people have confidence and capability
as well to win the battle. 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. As part of China, Taiwan
is not qualified to join the World Health Organization,
which can be joined only by sovereign countries.
(from www.fmprc.gov.cn )