Government officials can defuse a panic by providing clear and accurate information in a timely manner.

AJune 2event addressed the intersection of economics, politics, and healthcare systems with the spread of SARS, particularly in China.

The SARS epidemic is literally suffocating Asia. Surgical masks and fear are further stifling Hong Kong's once-booming economy. Tourism has come to a halt, causing airline industries to lose millions a day. And riots in China are revealing that the virus is affecting more than the markets.

It is common knowledge that the AIDS virus is devastating Africa, but China, the most populous county in the world, might also have a significant problem.

What makes the Chinese AIDS problem so potentially dangerous is the attitude of the Chinese authorities themselves.

Provision of health care in developing regions is not keeping pace with rapid economic growth.

IfChinadoesn't control its burgeoning AIDS problem, the world, and not just its own population, will suffer from lower growth, and a greater risk of widespread infection.

By focusing onhealth issuesand promoting a Franco-German world view, the World Health Organizationis failing inits mission to save the poorest from preventable diseases.