Beijing, June 21: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao today claimed that SARS epidemic in China, the worst-hit nation from the flu-like killer disease, has been brought under "effective control." "Thanks to the concerted efforts of the people throughout the country and the support of the international community, SARS has been brought under effective control," Wen said in an interview to Indian journalists here.
Wen stressed that his government always puts the health and safety of the people above everything else and has taken resolute measures to combat SARS.
China was harshly criticised for covering up the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) disease in the country.
Vajpayee would be one of the first prominent world leaders to visit china after SARS epidemic hit the country as well as Hong Kong , killing 643 people, infecting nearly 7,100 people and triggering a global health alert.
The flu-like virus first surfaced in southern China's Guangdong province in November last year. It spread to Hong Kong in late February and then around the world, including India by air travellers.
Bureau Report