Russian Health Ministry proposes establishing contacts with ASEAN to counter SARS together

Russia's Health Ministry has proposed to the Foreign Ministry establishing contacts with countries of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations to counter the SARS spread, the ministerial press service told RIA Novosti on Thursday.

In the letter sent to the Foreign Ministry, the Health Ministry proposes to exchange information on the spread of the pneumonia-like severe acute respiratory syndrome and efficiency of steps taken to prevent it.

The Health Ministry also points to the need of establishing contacts with countries of ASEAN for the conduct of epidemiological research and SARS prevention work, development and issue of diagnostic and treatment preparations.

The Russian Health Ministry asks the Foreign Ministry for assistance in arranging the training of the medical personnel with account for the ASEAN experience in combating SARS and other infectious diseases appearing in Southeast Asia.