February 10, 2004

China Forks Out US$12 Million For Bird Flu Research

The China's central government has allocated 100 million yuan (US$12 million) to conduct intensive research and measures to deal with bird flu, a spokesman with China's National Avian Influenza Prevention Headquarters said Monday.

The funding would be used to develop vaccines, technology and products for rapid diagnosis, analysis of mutations of the virus, new transmission channels and technology for prevention and control, and the screening of anti-virus drugs, said the spokesman.

The spokesman said the science and technology task force of the headquarters was coordinating the country's resources for concerted efforts against the virus.

Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu heads the headquarters, set up on January 30.

The organization consists of the State Development and Reform Commission, the ministries of Finance, Health and Agriculture, the State Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs.