The funds will supplement an ongoing regional technical assistance and strengthen response capacity in Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

The assistance will fund the development of recommendations for improved outbreak investigation and surveillance, including in rural areas, and the strengthening of health systems’ resilience and capacity for epidemic response. It will support the supply of diagnostic and laboratory equipment for rapid testing to help combat the outbreak.

“ADB has a track record of providing rapid and targeted support to our members in emergency situations,” said ADB President Mr. Masatsugu Asakawa. “We stand ready to provide further assistance as required.”

ADB is collaborating closely with World Health Organization officials and other regional experts to identify areas for coordinated responses and possible further financial assistance to respond to the 2019-nCoV situation. 

Additional technical assistance is under preparation to help other developing member countries improve key economic and health systems, including disease surveillance, provision of medical supplies, outbreak response plans, and regional cooperation. Where needed, support may include the procurement of medicines and medical equipment. Other activities may include economic and health system assessments to improve understanding of the economic impacts and the design of appropriate response measures.

ADB’s economists are looking at the impact that the virus could have on the region’s economies, including through channels such as tourism, consumption, trade, and supply chains.

The nCoV outbreak has claimed 724 lives and sickened 34,909 others as of 5:00 pm on Saturday, according to the Ministry of Health.

In Viet Nam, the infection cases rose to 13 and three of them have been cleared of the virus and discharged from hospital.

The Vietnamese Government considers fighting nCoV is a top task but still seeking ways to boost trade exchanges with China in a bid to mitigate negative impacts of the outbreak on the economy./.