More transparency needed to fight bird flu

Improving transparency is the best way to dispel ignorance and fear on the H7N9 bird flu virus, says an article in the Guangzhou Daily. Excerpts:

All provinces and regions in China are closely monitoring bird flu epidemic situations and the reporting system has proved timely and efficient.

The information communication channels between national health authorities and the World Health Organization are smooth. These efforts have comforted the people very much by providing necessary information on a timely base.

The most worrying thing is not the virus but the uncertainty. If people feel the truth is being covered up, they will naturally think the truth is too grave to be disclosed. But the government's logic is that covering up the truth means that the problem is not serious and not worthy to be disclosed, to not cause unnecessary concerns.

Such misunderstandings between the people and the government turn small trouble into a much bigger problem.

Only timely information disclosure on the situation is not enough. The government and the media should tell the people how to protect themselves from the virus. Medical scientists should try their best to find out how the virus is created and transmitted.

The medical authorities must provide timely and free treatment to infected patients, as bird flu has evolved into a crucial public health situation.