Experts from China and Japan hope they can join efforts in building an anti-SARS demonstration area in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province. The demonstration area will introduce advanced hospital-infection-control technologies, as well as methods and management system applied in Japan. This is one of the results coming out of the Sino-Japan Cooperative SARS Prevention Seminar, the first of this kind between the two sides, which was held recently in Guangzhou.

At the three-day seminar attended by over 100 experts, the Japanese introduced their hospital-infection-control technologies and methods, and the Chinese gave their anti-SARS experiences in Guangdong.

It is reported that during the global outbreak of SARS, not a single SARS case was found in Japan. This is believed to have much to do with the country's advanced and perfect public health system as well as its rich experiences in the prevention of contagious diseases. According to Yukihisa Sakurada, head of the China Office of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan has had no outbreak of contagious disease for 40 years. Japan has its unique experiences in controlling and preventing major contagious diseases, especially in preventing hospital infection.

Professor Takahasi from the Comprehensive Research Institute of JICA said the dynamic surveillance is key to prevention and control of epidemics. Japan has a whole set of long-term surveillance system. In addition, most Japanese have family physicians so that they can have their problems solved in time in case any discomfort occurs. Therefore, Japan can quickly put the spread of an epidemic under control before its outbreak.

According to Director Pan from the Science and Technology Bureau of Guangzhou, at present, Guangzhou and Japan have reached an agreement on cooperation in setting up a comprehensive demonstration area of respiratory disease. It is estimated that the demonstration area will be invested mainly by Chinese party, and Japan will provide technological support, including equipment. Professor Li from Guangzhou Respiratory Disease Research Institute disclosed that the design of the demonstration area will be aimed at the prevention of hospital infection. It will have a capacity of around 10 beds.

Details of the project area are under discussion, said professor Takahasi.

(China.org.cn by Wang Qian, October 31, 2003)