President Chen Shui-bian visited the National Health Command Center on March 16, stressing in his remarks that "discipline, preparation, and coordination" are the three guidelines in avian flu prevention and control.
"Inasmuch as avian flu infection has become part of our life, our major concern, therefore, is rather over our preparation for it than its outbreak," the president said, indicating the urgency in taking preventive steps.
When talking to the staff of the center, the president pointed out that "discipline," "preparation" and "coordination" are the three principles everyone should adhere to while combating any newly emerging infectious diseases, particularly avian flu. "The threat we are facing is much greater than all the other countries in the world, for Taiwan is situated amid the bird migration routes and, most seriously, next to the largest black hole within the global disease prevention and control network--China," the president analyzed. "Therefore," he continued, "discipline in combating diseases, preparation for any possible outbreaks, and coordination in collective work, are the three decisive aspects in avian flu prevention and control."
Since Premier Su Tseng-chang also attended the inspection, the president told the audience at the ceremony that economy, public security, and public health are the three target areas where the cabinet's efforts are directed at. To conclude his remarks and inspection, the president again called for an all-out support from the general public.