On the morning of April 14, 2003, President Hu Jintao inspected the Disease Prevention and Control Center in south China's Guangdong Province Monday to obtain further information on the efforts to control severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Hu solicited the views of the medical experts on SARS control, who responded that intensified control efforts, the early identification of the causative agent, the establishment of an effective quick response mechanism and the dissemination of SARS prevention and treatment knowledge are all important in combating the disease. He urged CPC organizations and governments at all levels to create the necessary conditions for medical workers in their fight against SARS.