Six Chinese ministries and commissions have begun distributing 3 million posters featuring anti-SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) rudimentary knowledge to the rural areas in the country.

Three to four of the posters have to be sent to each of China's rural villages by May 20, according to the requirements of the ministries, which include the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture.

In addition, 3,000 anti-SARS DVDs are in the pipeline and are expected to reach every county in China by the end of the month for use by local TV stations.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Association for Science and Technology will soon begin providing free information and related materials on the fight against SARS in the country's rural areas via the internet on two websites: www.cpst.net.cn and www.cast.org.cn.

Premier Wen Jiabao on Tuesday called for increased awareness of the importance and urgency of anti-SARS efforts in China's vast rural areas during a national teleconference carried out by the State Council.

(Xinhua News Agency May 8, 2003)