Disease prevention measures upgraded in Taiwan

2016/02/19

A national-level research institute is being set up in the first half of 2016 by the ROC government as a part of efforts to combat mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and the Zika virus.

The facility, backed by the National Health Research Institutes in collaboration with local governments and tertiary institutions, is expected to be located in southern Taiwan.

It will conduct clinical trials, implement an early warning system and monitor the routes of disease transmission. This should help Taiwan strengthen border quarantine, health care system preparedness, prevention of virus importation and vector control in the global fight against the Zika virus.

In addition, a Zika-combating central command center was set up Feb. 2 under Centers for Disease Control. This move is in line with the World Health Organization’s declaration of the virus as a public health emergency of international concern.

According to CDC Director-General Steve H. S. Kuo, although there is no significant increase in the number of cases involving Guillain-Barre syndrome and microcephaly since Taiwan’s first patient was diagnosed with Zika virus Jan. 10, the government is taking all necessary steps to safeguard public health.

The institute is the latest in a series of government responses aimed at preventing infectious disease outbreaks in Taiwan. These include establishment last year of an Ebola training center in Tainan City and a joint dengue research facility by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and Kaohsiung Medical University.

Going forward, Taiwan aims to leverage its strong public health capabilities and make meaningful contributions to global health efforts. By building on upgraded prevention and research measures, it will continue playing a role in the fight against infectious diseases and eradication of disease-bearing vectors.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=242326&ctNode=2194&mp=9)