WHO issues US$56m plan to combat Zika virus
[GENEVA] The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday that US$56 million is needed to combat the Zika virus through June, including fast-tracking vaccines and diagnostics.
The funds, including US$25 million for the WHO itself, would also be used to control the mosquito-borne virus that has now spread to 39 countries and has been linked to birth defects in Brazil, as well as research studies.
"Research studies are needed in order to assess: 1) presence of the Zika virus in semen and other body fluids, including pregnancy-related fluids; and 2) potential sexual transmission, and mother-to-child transmission," said the WHO Strategic Response Framework and Joint Operations Plan issued in Geneva.
REUTERS
For all our Zika coverage, go to bt.sg/zika
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
International
US service sector contracts in April; price pressures up
Thaksin’s daughter calls central bank independence an ‘obstacle’
US jobs growth slows in April; jobless rate up to 3.9%
Magnitude 6.0 quake strikes Philippines, aftershocks and damage expected
Indonesia to permanently relocate 10,000 people after Ruang volcano eruptions
Bank Indonesia confident rupiah will strengthen until year-end