 |
|
| WHO urges global efforts to find cure for SARS |
| CCTV.COM 2003-04-16 13:04:06 |
|
A top WHO expert says the deadly virus is still poorly understood as the UN World Health Organization(WHO) gathers scientists from around the globe to fight Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome(SARS). The killer disease has claimed scores of victims across the world.
The WHO Communicable Diseases Executive Director David Heymann said the UN organization had responded quickly to SARS. A global alert was issued within seven days of the first reported death. But Heymann said more clinical information was needed before SARS could be fully understood and a possible cure and prevention found.
"We need to know, first of all, that this is the causative virus, the coronavirus, we need to know where that virus is in nature. We need to know for sure what's happening on airplanes and other public transport," said David Heymann, communicable diseases expert with WHO.
The WHO has mobilized medical specialists, equipment and medical supplies to Hanoi and Hong Kong to help track the outbreak of the killer virus, which has so far killed over 120 worldwide and made thousands ill. Thanks to the quick action by the WHO, said Heymann, health authorities around the world were alerted and successfully identified new cases. He said the WHO now has cooperation with China as intense investigations into the outbreak continue.
"With the support and help of the WHO the Chinese government is fully confident about its ability to control and eliminate finally SARS," said Zhang Yishan, Chinese deputy UN ambassador.
Scientists from around the world will meet in Geneva later this week. They will discuss prevention and control of the spread of SARS. A research center has been set up by the WHO, which is drawing on 11 world－class laboratories in nine countries. Other steps include the development of a diagnostic test and the establishment of a global network allowing physicians to share clinical data.
The human cost of SARS is mirrored economically. The deadly disease is also dealing a massive blow to already battered South East Asian economies.
|
|
Editor: Han Ling CCTV.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
