The Government of Norway is taking a number of steps in support of the international efforts to reduce the impact of SARS – severe acute respiratory syndrome. This was announced by the Norwegian Health Minister, Mr Dagfinn Høybråten, at the 56th World Health Assembly, which opened in Geneva on 19 May.

Since the outbreak of SARS in February this year the disease has spread to a large number of countries. The global consequences of SARS call for enhanced international co-operation and international solidarity. The co-ordinating function of the World Health Organization is particularly important if the international community is to respond effectively to SARS and other threats to global health. The Government of Norway believes it is important to enable the World Health Organization to effectively carry out its main functions, which are co-ordinating international health efforts and providing technical co-operation to Member States.

A Norwegian expert from our National Institute of Public Health has already joined WHO’s SARS team in China, and more Norwegian experts are ready to join it on request.

NOK 2 million is being allocated to technical co-operation with China in support of WHO activities in that country. A further NOK 927 000 is being granted to the International Federation of the Red Cross for its efforts to support the Chinese health authorities in their fight against the disease. In addition Norway is providing NOK 4 million in extra budgetary support for WHO’s work on communicable diseases, including SARS.