Accompanied by leading local officials, Hu, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, talked with medical workers who have been engaged in controlling the epidemic there and 23 hospitals in Guangdong.

Hu solicited the views of the medical experts on SARS control, who responded that intensified control efforts, the early identification of the causative agent, the establishment of an effective quick response mechanism and the dissemination of SARS prevention and treatment knowledge are all important in combating the disease.

Hu said the CPC Central Committee and the State Council have been deeply concerned about the SARS epidemic ever since it broke out in certain parts of Guangdong.

"We are worried about the serious threat to the health and lives of some people, and we rejoice at the recuperation of SARS victims thanks to the meticulous work of medical workers," he said.

He added that, thanks to a series of measures and hard work, Guangdong has brought the disease under effective control.

On behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, Hu extended his gratitude and regards to all the people who have made contributions to the control of the disease, including government officials and medical staff.

He said SARS control should be regarded as an important task given that it exerts a strong impact on China's overall process of reform and opening up and on the health and lives of people.

He called for continuous and all-out efforts in the prevention and treatment of the disease.

"We shall employ every means possible to cure SARS patients as soon as possible and to prevent the further spread or resurgence of the epidemic," said Hu.

He urged CPC organizations and governments at all levels to create the necessary conditions for medical workers in their fight against SARS.

(Xinhua News Agency April 15, 2003)