China has invested 11.6 billion yuan or about US$1.4 billion to build up the country's disease prevention and control systems.

China's National Development and Reform Commission made the announcement on Friday, saying most of the projects can be completed and put into operation by the end of this year.

China has set out to build disease prevention and control institutes at all levels since 2002.

The accomplishment of the projects will strengthen China's ability to tackle severe diseases and public health emergencies.

At the end of last year China launched reform of the hospitals and emergency centers in the western regions, which are expected to be completed in three years. 

(CRI December 4, 2004)