Premier calls for greater effort in bid to join WHO

Premier Yu Shyi-kun directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Health yesterday to work even harder on Taiwan's bid to join the WHO.

Yu the directive after listening to a report on the resurgence of SARS in China.

Noting SARS' comeback in Beijing and in Anhui Province has again highlighted the urgency of Taiwan's joining the WHO, Yu said that the ministry and the department should cooperate with other relevant government agencies to promote the WHO bid.

When facing a contagious new disease like SARS, Yu said, the nation must be able to obtain -- through the WHO -- information about the epidemic and about control and prevention measures.

Due China's opposition, Taiwan has been shut out of the Geneva-based world health body. Yu said the ministry and the department should step up lobbying for international support for the nation's WHO bid.

Meanwhile, Yu urged relevant government agencies, hospitals and medical research institutes to obtain more information about the SARS situation in China through international channels.

Yu all Cabinet agencies for their quick actions to prevent the spread of the SARS virus after its recent resurgence.

"We should continue keeping alert and step up `self-health management' publicity to encourage people to wash their hands frequently, take their temperature regularly and cultivate healthy habits to ensure a SARS-free living environment," Yu said.

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