The United Nations Economic and Social Council has held a Regional Ministerial Meeting in Beijing. It focused on promoting health literacy in the Asia and Pacific region. Chinese Health Minister, Chen Zhu, says the swine flu outbreak can help promote public health awareness.

Wednesday's meeting aims to promote health knowledge among the general public. China's Minister of Health says the outbreak of swine flu can be used to this end.

Chen Zhu, Chinese Health Minister said "Besides inspection and monitoring at exit and entry points, the Health Ministry has another important task during the current crisis, to spread knowledge of disease prevention and protection to ordinary people. I believe that scientific health knowledge can help prevent, control and cure swine flu."

The World Health Organization officials say the full preparedness of China's health sector can help ease the crisis.

China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine has issued an emergency notice. It requires people to report flu-like symptoms at the point of entry when coming from swine flu affected areas. Also, health check-ups are being conducted at port areas like Guangdong, Shanghai and Nanjing.

(CCTV April 30, 2009)