Mohan Railway Port, a pivotal hub along the China-Laos Railway in southwest China’s Yunnan Province, has been designated as the world’s first international sanitary ground crossing by the World Health Organization (WHO). The announcement, made on Tuesday, marks a significant milestone in global health security and cross-border connectivity.
The designation follows an on-site assessment conducted by WHO experts from December 1 to 3, highlighting Mohan Railway Port’s advanced capabilities in addressing international public health emergencies. This recognition underscores the port’s preparedness to prevent and control the spread of diseases, ensuring the safety of travelers and the swift response to potential health crises.
International sanitary ports are crossings that meet the WHO’s stringent guidelines outlined in the International Health Regulations. These regulations aim to protect global health by maintaining robust surveillance systems and response mechanisms at key transit points, thus safeguarding the health of travelers and local populations alike.
Since its inauguration on December 3, 2021, the 1,035-kilometer China-Laos Railway has been a vital artery connecting Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, with Vientiane, the capital of Laos. The railway has revolutionized regional transportation, facilitating over 43 million passenger trips and transporting 48.3 million tonnes of cargo as of Monday. The diversity of goods transported has expanded remarkably, growing from an initial 500 varieties to more than 3,000, reflecting the railway’s significant role in boosting trade and economic development in the region.
The designation of Mohan Railway Port as an international sanitary ground crossing not only enhances the port’s global standing but also strengthens the China-Laos Railway’s position as a safe and efficient corridor for international travel and commerce. This achievement is a testament to the collaborative efforts in promoting public health security and fostering international cooperation in the region.
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China-Laos Railway port designated international sanitary crossing
cgtn.com
