A more proactive World Health Organization (WHO) seems to be in the offing. The Organi- zation intends to set up an earlywarning system El and a rapid reaction force to tackle epidemics. A section of the WHO is launchimg a global surveillance network of laboratories geared to focus on rare disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Rapid intervention on site will be a new venture for these laboratories.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has called for a realistic approach to child labour in a report. It warns that trade boycott of goods, made by sewing infants, may harm rather than advance welfare to them. Contrary to popular perception, the report reveals, export industries - like textiles, clothing, carpets and footwear - employ relatively fewer children. Most child workers are unpaid family workers.