The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced on Monday it is immediately committing $5 million in emergency funds and corresponding technical support to help front-line responders in China step up their efforts to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) that has caused a deadly pneumonia outbreak.

According to a press release, the foundation is already working with a range of Chinese public and private sector partners to speed up national and international cooperation in areas of critical need, including efforts to identify and confirm cases, safely isolate and care for patients and accelerate the development of treatments and vaccines.

The partners include the National Health Commission (NHC), Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, various research institutes affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen University and Sinopharm China National Biotec Group, said the statement.

Li Yinuo, China director of the Gates Foundation, said: "We are paying close attention to the pneumonia situation, and would like to express our high respect to those fighting on the front line.

"It is always high on our agenda to improve the prevention and control of infectious diseases, as well as promote global health and safety. We look forward to working with our partners to meet the challenges."

The foundation is also immediately committing $5 million to assist the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in scaling up public health measures against 2019-nCoV among African Union member states, according to the press release.

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)