WHO commends China´s efforts to fight bird flu

cctv.com 02-03-2004 15:34

The head of the World Health Organization has welcomed China's efforts to fight bird flu. He says he's confident China can contain the outbreak, and a travel warning for Asia isn't necessary.

China has intensified its campaign against the bird flu outbreak in 8 provinces and Shanghai municipality.

Measures taken include culling suspected birds, vaccinating healthy ones, isolating and disinfecting farms, and banning trade of live poultry.

The efforts have been recognized by the World Health Organization, which warned China faces a rapidly closing window of opportunity in the battle against the epidemic.

Lee Jong-wook, Director General of World Health Organization, said: "My impression and WHO's impression is that the Bird Flu is still spreading out in Asia. But China has now taken tough measures. They mobilized as they have done in the past for SARS. So I have a great expectation that they will be able to contain."

Some countries against those with bird flu cases have issued travel warnings. Lee Jong-Wook says such warnings are not needed, nor is it necessary to isolate people coming from countries such as Thailand.

Rather, the WHO chief is advising visitors to stay away from chicken farms or markets where chickens are sold.

Editor:Zheng  Source:CCTV.com