CRI听力: World Health Officials Meet on Combating A/H1N1 Flu Pandemic

Health officials from more than 40 countries have gathered in Cancun, Mexico, for a two-day meeting to discuss measures to confront the A/H1N1 flu that is sweeping across the world. During the meeting, Officials have called for international cooperation to tackle the disease.

Liao Jibo has more:(www.hXen.com)

Reporter:

The World Health Organization says that so far the A/H1N1 influenza has spread to around 120 countries and regions.

Kathleen Sebelius, United States Health and Human Services Secretary says it's essential to enhance global cooperation to fight against the disease.

"Virus has no borders. The US recognizes that the A/H1N1 flu is a burden borne by all nations. And all of us have the responsibility to help support one another in the face of the challenge."

Sebelius says the U.S. government will donate 420 thousand doses of anti-viral drugs to Latin American and Caribbean nations to help them fight the flu.

Margaret Chan, director-general of World Health Organization says some vaccine makers have promised to share 10 percent of their vaccines with the U.N. at cheaper prices. The WHO will then distribute these vaccines to developing countries.

She also notes the importance of helping developing countries produce anti-viral drugs.

"In the last few years, USA, Japan and EU countries gave us some money so that we can help developing countries through North-South and South-South technology transfer to help them build their own vaccine production capacity. A total of 11 countries have been supported by the World Health Organization in this technology transfer endeavor."

Chinese Health Minister Chen Zhu said that China has taken a series of comprehensive measures to tackle the disease.

"We are confident that on the good basis of previous cooperation and through our joint efforts, we are bound to control A/H1N1 epidemic effectively. Finally, I will let you know that the ministry of China will convene the International Scientific Symposium on influenza pandemic response and preparedness in Beijing next month. I would like to extend sincere invitation to our colleagues from Mexico and other countries---You are more than welcome to China to further discuss progress in the scientific research and experience on influenza A/H1N1."

Chen Zhu says the measures have helped slow down the spread of the virus, but it is still hard to predict such factors as where or at what speed the mutation of the virus is heading.

So far, 1,518 cases of the A/H1N1 flu have been confirmed in China.

While globally, the latest data from the WHO shows the A/H1N1 flu has infected more than 77 thousand people in 116 countries and regions, claiming 332 lives.

Liao Jibo, CRI News