More than 170 medical scientists from 51 countries gathered in Beijing Monday to discuss the most imminent public health threats facing the world.

The agenda for the Second Global Meeting of the Inter-Academy Medical Panel (IAMP) will focus on control and prevention of epidemic diseases, diseases that cross from animals to humans, and traffic accident-related injuries.

Chinese State Councilor Chen Zhili said the IAMP was significantly helping developing countries to combat common threats to public health.

She said the Chinese government would develop cooperation with international organizations and other countries to create a world with better health services.

Chinese Academy of Sciences President Lu Yongxiang, Chinese Academy of Engineering President Xu Kuangdi, and representatives of the IAMP and the Disease Control Priorities Project (DCPP) also addressed delegates.

Founded in 2000 in Italy, the IAMP promotes exchanges between science and engineering academies of member states, and encourages international cooperation and coordination in medical science and research.

At the IAMP meeting, the DCPP launched a three-book series, Investing in Global Health, which was also supported by the IAMP.

(Xinhua News Agency April 3, 2006)