MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Australia will provide further assistance to the Government of the People's
Republic of China to manage the SARS outbreak.
Already seven Australians specialists are working with the World Health
Organisation (WHO) and the Chinese Ministry of Health to manage the epidemic.
Across the region another fourteen Australian specialists are assisting
countries with their responses to SARS.
Australia has acted quickly to respond to the Chinese request for assistance.
Funds will be provided to purchase vital medical equipment, which is unavailable
in China, as well as additional Australian expertise.
The contribution of $500,000 will be channelled through the WHO. It
complements Australia's earlier contribution of $1.2 million to WHO to assist
with its broader regional response to SARS across Asia and the Pacific.
The medical equipment will be used in hospitals, predominantly in Beijing, to
assist with diagnosis and treatment of SARS cases. Equipment may be reallocated
to other provinces should SARS outbreaks occur. The equipment to be provided
includes respirators, ventilators and mobile X-ray systems.
Beijing now has the highest level of SARS infections of any city in the
world, placing considerable strain on hospitals and health care workers.
Contacts:
Chris Kenny (Minister's Office) 02 6277 7500 or 0419 206 890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489