ISLAMABAD, June 5: The Asian Development Bank has approved a regional technical assistance (Reta) of $2 million for emergency regional support to address the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars).

Reta will be carried out over the next six months and focus on preventing and containing Sars by financing the vital first steps in a medium-to long-term effort to boost the region’s health systems.

According to a press release, the main priority of Reta will be to provide initial support to build the capacity of health systems to prevent and control Sars.

The assistance will support public health assessment surveillance, training and institutional capacity building (all of which may include the emergency for provision of public health equipment, material and supplies), standardized procedures for screening and restricting cross-border travellers.

Pakistan, under Reta, has been allocated $200,000 on a grant basis which will be utilized for (i) procurement of disposable items, (ii) procurement of equipment, and (iii) training, printing of information, education and communication materials.