Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) have praised the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) prevention and treatment work in east China's Anhui Province.

A five-member WHO team, led by noted epidemiologist Arne Brantsaether from Norway, is currently inspecting the SARS work in Anhui, together with a working team of China's Ministry of Health.

Brantsaether said Anhui has a highly effective SARS prevention and treatment system and patients are being taken good care of in hospitals. The thorough search for SARS victims in both urban and rural areas is an effective way to contain the spread of the epidemic.

Anhui, with a population of over 63 million, has more than 1.8 million returned migrant workers from all over the country, including hard-hit areas. So far seven of the 10 clinically confirmed SARS cases are such returned workers.

WHO expert Chen Xiangsheng said Anhui has a very good community-based surveillance network which has mobilized nearly all of society.

The expert said the province also has a very effective and resolute decision-making system, all the way

(People's Daily May 25, 2003)