In addition to the world-class sports venues, new jobs, and good
memories, the Olympics health legacy will stand as a long-term gift
to China, a World Health Organization official said.
The public health programs associated with Beijing's hosting the
2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games should not be
limited to the six weeks during which the competitions take place,
the WHO's China Representative, Hans Troedsson, said during an
exclusive interview with China Daily.
China has taken many steps to improve its environment, food and
water safety, public health awareness and its capacity to respond
to potential outbreaks of infectious diseases to ensure safe Games,
Troedsson said.
The capital has already notched up several key achievements and
will definitely present wonderful Games, he said.
He cited the tobacco controls as an example. Beijing has called
for smoking bans at all hotels serving athletes and other Games
workers, as well as at all competition venues and restaurants in
the Olympic Village by June.
On October 1 last year, Beijing banned smoking in the city's
66,000 cabs, and started imposing fines of 100 yuan to 200 yuan
(US$14-US$28) on drivers caught smoking in cabs to ensure the
world's first smoke-free Olympic Games.
Troedsson said such achievements should not be abandoned after
the Games.
He also said the improvements made in Beijing should spread
nationwide and even serve as lessons for host countries of future
Olympics.
Vice-minister of Health Gao Qiang vowed at the end of last year
to use the Olympics as an opportunity to improve public health in
the country.
However, some people have different views about the drive.
Sun Guangxin, a Beijing-based office worker, expressed doubt
that the tobacco-control measures would last long after the Olympic
Games because the government would not be paying as much
attention.
"People should be more aware of how important it is to look
after their health, though," he said.
Still, Troedsson said efforts will be made to ensure that such
changes remain in place.
"The WHO has regular contacts with Chinese health authorities
about the joint approach of the health legacy," he said.
"The Chinese government is highly willing to pass on the legacy
and mulling over ways to achieve that goal."
He said the WHO is prepared to provide technical assistance in
key areas, such as helping China contain potential outbreaks of
epidemics.
A team of experts who worked on health programs during previous
Olympic and Paralympic Games will probably be stationed in Beijing
during the Games to help with any public health issues that
arise.
Specific details such as the exact number of experts to be
assigned during the events will be discussed at a meeting between
the WHO and Ministry of Health in two months.
(China Daily February 13, 2008)