An official with China's Ministry of Science and Technology said
here Tuesday that the ministry has raised 10 million yuan (US$1.21
million), in emergency funds for research in SARS.
The official said that, in view of the serious challenge presented
by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Chinese scientists are
working feverishly to identify the cause of the disease as well as
to develop treatments.
In
order to effectively control the epidemic, increase the national
prevention capability and raise the effectiveness of clinical
treatments and methods, the Science and Health Ministries have
joined hands to step up research efforts.
Wang Xiaofang, a director in the Science Ministry, said the experts
will focus efforts to identify the causative agent, work out fast
diagnostic methods, and develop relevant treatments and drugs. They
will also work on monitoring and early warning systems, he
said.
(Xinhua News Agency April 16, 2003)
