Riyadh, Jan 21 (IANS) Saudi Arabia’s health ministry has hired US experts to help combat the spread of infectious and non-communicable diseases, including the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Ebola, in the country, media reported Wednesday.
The decision is part of an agreement recently signed by the ministry with the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which includes training and support for Saudi professionals, Arab News reported.
The ministry will ensure comprehensive preparations based on the world’s best medical practices to provide protection for citizens and residents in the country, said Abdul Aziz bin Saeed, undersecretary for public health.
He said this was an essential part of the continued cooperation with the World Health Organisation and the CDC on MERS and other communicable diseases.
Since September 2012, MERS has infected 837 and killed 361 people.