The task force evaluated the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) control efforts of Henan, expressing their hope that Henan would continue to intensify epidemic situation monitoring and personnel training.

The task force inspected five counties, four towns, four villages and one community in the five cities, including Zhengzhou,Luoyang, Zhumadian, Jiaozuo and Xinxiang, eight disease preventionand control centers, eight designated hospitals for SARS patients,two village hospitals and 10 fever clinics and quarantine rooms.

Xu Ke, the head of the MOH-WHO task force, said much had been learned about Henan's SARS control efforts.

She said provincial and local governments had attached importance to SARS prevention and treatment with a sound monitoring system and reporting network established.

The local governments had intensified dissemination of knowledge about SARS control to the public and established a treatment system for SARS patients at provincial, municipal and county levels, she said.

Henan also increased financial support for the key districts and key sectors.

She praised the great efforts of government officials and medical staff in the fight against SARS.

Henan has a huge number of migrant workers who are expected to return to their hometowns soon.

The task force pointed out that those migrant workers will greatly challenge Henan's SARS control work.

WHO expert James Maguire said he appreciated the assistance of the provincial government and health departments of Henan and suggested some provinces, including Henan, increase investment in public health.

After hearing feedback from the task force, Li Chengyu, governor of Henan Province, congratulated members of the task force on their good work.

The provincial government would consider the task force's suggestions and put them into practice as soon as possible, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 21, 2003)