LOC10:22
07:22 GMT
WASHINGTON, April 27 (KUNA) -- The World Bank (WB) will support Mexico's
efforts to fight the spread of the Swine Flu virus with more than USD 205
million in fast disbursing funds, WB announced here Sunday.
WB President Robert Zoellick indicated that up to USD 25 million will be
re-directed to this purpose from the ongoing Mexico health project to meet
urgent needs such as the purchase of drugs and related supplies.
In addition, WB has started the preparation of a USD 180 million project
under a Global Facility for Avian Influenza to help the Government of Mexico
finance the full range of "strategic, epidemiologic, regulatory,
institutional, and operational activities needed for an effective response and
allow for retroactive financing which would allow financing expenditures being
made currently."
According to WB, the project will be "fast-tracked" so that funds can be
disbursed in a period of three to five weeks.
WB will also assist Mexico in assessing the economic impact of the crisis
and helping it to devise counter-measures to ensure that the effects of the
outbreak are kept in check.
In this regard, the US has declared a public health emergency, where
travelers entering the country will be screened and people actively ill with
suspected influenza will be isolated.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 20 swine
flu cases in the US, including eight New York City high school students, as
well as cases in California, Kansas, Ohio, and Texas.(end)
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