Dr. Hans Troedsson, World Health Organization (WHO) representative in China, said on Tuesday that WHO is pleased with China's preparations for potential public health threats during the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games.

In an interview with Xinhua, he said China has been requested many consultations and collaborations with WHO before Olympics and that "the Chinese government takes it seriously".

He said that food- and water-borne diseases, other communicable diseases, high temperature and some public accidents are major threats to the Olympic Games.

He added WHO is in close collaboration with the Chinese Ministry of Health, Beijing municipal government and the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, discussing solutions and designing education material.

The Chinese government said that several efforts are being taken to safeguard public health and food safety during the event, including monitoring and inspecting all food outlets near Olympic venues, scenic spots and traffic hubs, choosing designated farming and processing businesses in line with international standards.

China will also dispatch health supervisors into hotels and restaurants during the event, and employ GPS to position and monitor the transport and store of food. At the same time, health authorities will take water and air samples from Olympic venues during the Games.

"We are pleased with the preparations that the government has taken" said Troedsson, "I think China could manage to face the challenges."

Troedsson said that China has a very good surveillance and reporting system in place.

(Xinhua News Agency April 9, 2008)