The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday praised China's health emergency response as "quick, effective and well organized" in the wake of the fatal earthquake that has killed nearly 70,000 people in the southwestern province of Sichuan.

In a press release, WHO said the conclusion was made after its representatives visited and inspected health measures in the quake-hit areas in Sichuan.

Facilities visited included several hospitals and a temporary settlement in Mianzhu City, a county-level city in Deyang prefecture, as well as the Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital in Chengdu, the capital of the province.

"The effectiveness of the response was especially commendable considering the number of people affected and the extent of the damage," said Dr Hans Troedsson, WHO's Representative in China.

"In particular, I would underline the high level of dedication and volunteerism evident in the medical professionals we met," Troedsson said.

A second team of WHO experts will visit China from June 11 to 23 to provide a set of recommendations on rebuilding healthcare services, the press release said.

WHO experts have already provided training to nurses and volunteers who are working with the earthquake survivors in response to the assistance request raised by China's Ministry of Health.

China has also asked WHO to assist in providing essential medical equipment and supplies to quake victims.

(Xinhua News Agency June 10, 2008)