China wins praise from WHO

BEIJING, June 11 (UPI) -- The World Health Organization has praised China for its quick and effective relief work following the May 12 earthquake.

The disaster killed nearly 70,000 people in China's southwest Sichuan province, injured tens of thousands more and left millions homeless.

WHO issued its assessment after its officials inspected the relief efforts, Xinhua reported. Chinese teams were singled out for praise for setting up several hospitals and providing medical help to the survivors.

"The effectiveness of the response was especially commendable considering the number of people affected and the extent of the damage," Hans Troedsson, WHO representative in China, was quoted as saying. "In particular, I would underline the high level of dedication and volunteerism evident in the medical professionals we met."

WHO experts have already provided training to nurses and volunteers who are working with the earthquake survivors, the Xinhua report said.

The U.N. agency has also been asked to provide essential medical equipment and supplies for the quake victims.

Chinese authorities have said there have been no reports of any epidemic or major health issues so far in the quake-hit regions or in the vast tent cities erected to house the homeless.