(WHO)praised China for improved transparency and a "strong political commitment" to combating SARS

The World Health Organisation (WHO)praised China for improved transparency and a "strong political commitment" to combating SARS, which it said has diminished as a global threat. However, delegates at an international SARS conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia warned countries to remain vigilant of new infectious diseases. The WHO also said it would not lift advisories warning against travel to Beijing and Taiwan until their SARS outbreaks are further contained. Officials from hard-hit places including mainland China, Hong Kong and Canada are discussing their responses to SARS during the two-day conference, which will also review scientific findings, control strategies and the possible role of animals in the outbreak. SARS has killed about 800 people since it was first detected in southern China late last year. New infections globally have plunged in recent weeks.