U.S. Assistance to China to Combat SARS

Pursuant to President Bush's offer to President Hu to support China in its fight against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), I am pleased to announce today additional assistance to the PRC to combat this outbreak. This builds on the scientific and epidemiological support we have been providing through Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) researchers working in China and elsewhere since early March.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has provided this week $500,000 in emergency funds to help China bolster its strained public health system. The money is to be used by the Red Cross Society of China to purchase protective gear and other medical consumables including thermometers and protective goggles, gowns and masks to protect against SARS. The U.S. Embassy in Beijing will work with the Chinese Red Cross Society to monitor the procurement of these supplies.

In addition to material support, HHS Secretary Thompson has proposed to the Chinese Minister of Health this week a multi-year, multi-million dollar effort to expand collaborative work in epidemiological training and development of greater laboratory capacity in China.

These efforts complement and build on the donations of millions of dollars of equipment and other support already provided by American companies operating in China. These combined gifts of the American people helps to ensure that SARS does not threaten more lives or livelihoods in either country.