While a number of epidemics that were put under control in the past have made a come-back, some new infectious diseases have emerged, said China's Vice Minister of Health Chen Xiaohong, noting that over 40 new diseases have emerged over the past three decades.

An international monitoring and warning mechanism should be setup in the Asia-Pacific region for the purpose, Chen said.

Chinese President Hu Jintao raised a proposal at the 13th APEC leaders informal meeting in November 2005, that China would like to host this symposium, so as to promote cooperation on curbing emerging diseases among APEC members. Enditem

Editor:

Wang Nan